AAOS vs NASS for Exhibitors
Side-by-side data and our editorial take on which conference is the right exhibit investment for your medical device.
If you exhibit medical devices, AAOS and NASS are likely both on your shortlist. Both serve overlapping clinical buyers, but the audience composition, booth economics, and exhibit floor experience differ in ways that materially affect ROI. AAOS draws 30,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $10,000–$16,000. NASS draws 3,500 attendees at $8,000–$14,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 10.0 AAOS | 8.9 NASS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 10.0 (Exceptional) | 8.9 (Excellent) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | March 3-7, 2026 (exhibit hall March 3-5) | October 14-17, 2026 |
| Location | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL | San Antonio, TX (Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center) |
| Scale | mega | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 30,000 | 3,500 |
| Exhibitors | 500 | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~60% |
| Effective buyers | 15,000 | 2,100 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | $41 |
| 10×10 space | — | $4,100 |
| All-in estimate | $10,000 – $16,000 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $0.87 | $5.24 |
Why exhibit at AAOS
Global capital of orthopedic implant and instrument vendors. If you sell to ortho surgeons, you must be here. Cadaver labs and live surgical demos are the differentiator.
Why exhibit at NASS
The spine industry's most-attended event with an exhibitor-to-attendee ratio that makes competition fierce but access exceptional. 340 exhibitors means the industry takes this show seriously. Spine surgeons come to evaluate implants, biologics, and navigation tech hands-on.
Why skip AAOS
Non-orthopedic devices are wasted here. Competition is brutal -- Stryker, Zimmer, DePuy, Smith & Nephew own the floor.
Why skip NASS
Exclusively spine-focused. If your product is not directly spine-related, you'll be invisible. The exhibitor-to-attendee ratio (~1:10) is very high, meaning intense competition for surgeon attention.