AAST vs EAST 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, AAST and EAST 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. AAST draws 1,500 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $7,000–$14,000. EAST draws 1,500 attendees at $7,000–$12,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 7.2 AAST | 7.3 EAST | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 7.2 (Strong) | 7.3 (Strong) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | September 16-19, 2026 | January 12-15, 2027 (New Orleans, LA) -- 2026 meeting was January 20-23, 2026 in Atlanta |
| Location | Dallas, TX (Hyatt Regency Dallas) | Atlanta, GA (Signia by Hilton Atlanta, 2026); New Orleans, LA (2027) |
| Scale | mid | mid |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 1,500 | 1,500 |
| Exhibitors | — | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~65% | ~65% |
| Effective buyers | 975 | 975 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | $71.88 |
| 10×10 space | — | $7,188 |
| All-in estimate | $7,000 – $14,000 | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $10.77 | $9.74 |
Why exhibit at AAST
The national trauma surgery meeting -- AAST sets the clinical practice guidelines that trauma centers follow. Only 33 exhibitors means minimal competition on the exhibit floor and maximum visibility. Strong KOL concentration for building clinical advocacy relationships.
Why exhibit at EAST
Concentrated access to trauma surgeons who make life-or-death equipment decisions for Level I and II trauma centers. Flat-rate $5,750 pricing with no upsell complexity makes budgeting simple. January timing hits beginning-of-year budget cycles.
Why skip AAST
Very small exhibit hall (33 companies) may mean limited availability. 750 physicians attending is modest. If you need volume, ACS Clinical Congress (11,000 attendees) covers trauma surgeons within a much larger pool. AAST is academic-heavy; immediate purchase intent may be lower.
Why skip EAST
Only one booth size (8x10) with no ability to scale up -- if you need an island or 20x20 presence, EAST can't accommodate it. 1,500 attendees is relatively small. AAST (national scope, September) reaches a similar audience with more flexibility.