ACR Convergence vs ATS 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, ACR Convergence and ATS 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. ACR Convergence draws 14,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $9,000–$18,000. ATS draws 10,500 attendees at $10,000–$18,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 10.0 ACR Convergence | 9.5 ATS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 10.0 (Exceptional) | 9.5 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | November 6-11, 2026 | May 15-20, 2026 (pre-conference May 15-16, exhibit hall May 17-19) |
| Location | Orlando, FL | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 14,000 | 10,500 |
| Exhibitors | — | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~45% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 6,300 | 4,725 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $50 | $50 |
| 10×10 space | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| All-in estimate | $9,000 – $18,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.14 | $2.96 |
Why exhibit at ACR Convergence
The world's largest rheumatology meeting, critical for biologics and autoimmune therapy companies. 14,000+ attendees include the rheumatologists who prescribe TNF inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, and other high-value biologics. If you are in the autoimmune therapy space, this is a mandatory exhibit. The clinical trial booth rate ($30/sqft) is an excellent option for pharma companies recruiting for RA, lupus, or vasculitis trials.
Why exhibit at ATS
The global meeting for pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. 10,500 attendees -- larger than you'd expect for a subspecialty conference. Exceptional fit for ventilator manufacturers, pulmonary diagnostic equipment, respiratory devices, and sleep technology. Booth pricing is very reasonable at $5,000 for a 10x10.
Why skip ACR Convergence
Heavily pharma-dominated exhibit floor -- device companies may feel overshadowed by massive pharma booths. If your product is not rheumatology-specific (e.g., general orthopedic or pain management), AAOS or NASS are better fits. The 6-day meeting format means higher hotel and staffing costs.
Why skip ATS
If your product is not pulmonary/respiratory/sleep-specific, the audience is too niche. Also very research-heavy -- many attendees are academic researchers, not purchasing decision-makers. Buy cycles can be long.