AAO 2026
Overview
The largest ophthalmology meeting in the Western hemisphere. If you sell ophthalmic equipment (OCT, fundus cameras, slit lamps, IOLs, surgical instruments, lasers, diagnostics), AAO is mandatory. The concurrent AAOE program attracts practice administrators who influence purchasing. Subspecialty Day expands the audience to retina, glaucoma, cornea, and oculoplastics specialists.
Key Facts
- Host organization: American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Primary specialty: ophthalmology
- Scale: mega
- Geography: US National
- International attendance: ~25%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
Booth pricing not yet verified for AAO. Request our research →
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | — |
| Drayage | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Electrical (20A) | $300 – $450 |
| Carpet/padding | $200 – $400 |
| Cleaning (3 days) | $150 – $250 |
| Lead retrieval (1 unit) | $400 – $900 |
| Wi-Fi | $500 – $1,500 |
| Estimated total | $18,000 – $30,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
20,000-32,000 attendees depending on year and location. Full spectrum of ophthalmology sub-specialties. AAO runs concurrently with AAOE (American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives) for practice management. Co-located Subspecialty Day adds retina, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics specialists.
- Purchasing authority: ~45% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~11,250
- Cost per effective buyer: $2.13 ($24,000 all-in ÷ 11,250 buyers)
- International attendance: ~25%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA
- Management company: AAO (in-house)
- Product theater: Available
Who Else Exhibits
Approximately 450+ exhibitors typically attend AAO. Your competitors are here.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
The largest ophthalmology meeting in the Western hemisphere. If you sell ophthalmic equipment (OCT, fundus cameras, slit lamps, IOLs, surgical instruments, lasers, diagnostics), AAO is mandatory. The concurrent AAOE program attracts practice administrators who influence purchasing. Subspecialty Day expands the audience to retina, glaucoma, cornea, and oculoplastics specialists.
Why Skip
Non-ophthalmic devices have zero audience here. The show competes with ASCRS (which is more commercially oriented for anterior segment). AAO is more education-focused, so pure booth-driven sales can be slower than ASCRS.
Insider Tips
AAO and ASCRS split the ophthalmology market: AAO is broader and more educational, ASCRS is narrower and more commercially intense. If budget allows only one, cataract/refractive device companies should choose ASCRS; full-spectrum ophthalmic companies need both. New Orleans venue is well-liked by attendees, which helps booth traffic.
Buzzbox Score: 7.1 / 10 — Strong
Key Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Exhibit Sales Open | 2026-02 to 2026-04 (5 priority groups) |
| Expo Dates | 2026-10-10 to 2026-10-12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at AAO?
An all-in 10×10 booth at AAO runs roughly $18,000–$30,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional.
How many people attend AAO?
AAO draws approximately 25,000 attendees. 20,000-32,000 attendees depending on year and location. Full spectrum of ophthalmology sub-specialties. AAO runs concurrently with AAOE (American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives) for practice management. Co-located Subspecialty Day adds retina, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics specialists.
When is AAO ?
AAO is scheduled for October 9-12, 2026 (Expo Oct 10-12). Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA.
Is AAO worth exhibiting at?
The largest ophthalmology meeting in the Western hemisphere. If you sell ophthalmic equipment (OCT, fundus cameras, slit lamps, IOLs, surgical instruments, lasers, diagnostics), AAO is mandatory.