ACS vs ASCO 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, ACS and ASCO 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. ACS draws 11,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $8,000–$15,000. ASCO draws 35,000 attendees at $20,000–$35,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.5 ACS | 9.6 ASCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.5 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | September 26-29, 2026 | May 29 - June 2, 2026 (exhibits May 30 - June 1) |
| Location | Washington, DC (Walter E. Washington Convention Center) | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 11,000 | 35,000 |
| Exhibitors | — | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~35% |
| Effective buyers | 5,500 | 12,250 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $43.5 | $94 |
| 10×10 space | $4,350 | $9,400 |
| All-in estimate | $8,000 – $15,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.09 | $2.24 |
Why exhibit at ACS
The largest general surgery meeting in North America. 80% surgeon audience gives unmatched access to the people who choose instruments, energy devices, and capital equipment for ORs nationwide. High-value face time with department chairs and residency directors.
Why exhibit at ASCO
The single largest oncology meeting in the world with 35,000+ attendees. If you sell radiation therapy equipment, oncology diagnostics, precision medicine platforms, or cancer imaging solutions, this is where global oncology leaders converge. Late-breaking clinical trial data drives massive foot traffic.
Why skip ACS
If your device is specialty-specific (spine, urology, ENT), you'll be lost among 200 exhibitors targeting general surgeons. Smaller specialty meetings deliver more concentrated buyer access for niche products.
Why skip ASCO
Overwhelmingly pharma-dominated -- the biggest booths and budgets belong to Pfizer, Roche, Merck, BMS, AstraZeneca. Device companies can feel invisible without $100k+ investment. Booth space at $94/sqft (inline) is among the most expensive in medical conferences.