ACS vs ASTRO 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 ASTRO 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. ASTRO draws 11,000 attendees at $12,000–$20,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.5 ACS | 10.0 ASTRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.5 (Exceptional) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | September 26-29, 2026 | September 26-30, 2026 (Exhibits Sept 27-29) |
| Location | Washington, DC (Walter E. Washington Convention Center) | Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), Boston, MA |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 11,000 | 11,000 |
| Exhibitors | — | 170 |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 5,500 | 4,950 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $43.5 | $49 |
| 10×10 space | $4,350 | $4,900 |
| All-in estimate | $8,000 – $15,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.09 | $3.23 |
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 ASTRO
The definitive conference for radiation oncology and medical physics. If you sell linear accelerators, proton therapy systems, treatment planning software, radiation protection, or brachytherapy equipment, ASTRO is where department-level purchasing decisions begin. Medical physicists -- who heavily influence capital equipment selection -- attend in force.
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 ASTRO
Very narrow audience. Non-radiation-oncology devices have no buyer here. The $49/sqft rate plus $2,000 island surcharge makes it expensive for the audience size. Capital equipment companies (Varian, Elekta, Accuray) dominate the floor.