ACS vs RSNA for Exhibitors
Side-by-side data and our editorial take on which conference is the right exhibit investment for your medical device.
By Buzzbox Media · Last reviewed August 3, 2026
If you exhibit medical devices, ACS and RSNA 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, read from the published exhibitor prospectus. RSNA draws 38,000 attendees with no booth pricing published by the organizer. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.5 ACS | 10.0 RSNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.5 (Exceptional) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | September 26-29, 2026 | November 29 - December 3, 2026 |
| Location | Washington, DC (Walter E. Washington Convention Center) | Chicago, IL (McCormick Place) |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 11,000 | 38,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | 650 |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~78% |
| Effective buyers | 5,500 | 29,640 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $44.5 | $41.25 |
| 10×10 space | $4,450 | $4,125 |
| All-in estimate | Est. $8,000-$15,000 | n/a |
| Cost per buyer | $2.09 | n/a |
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 RSNA
Largest radiology gathering in the world. Essential for imaging equipment, contrast media, AI/digital health in radiology, and radiation protection vendors. Decision-makers come to see and touch new tech.
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 RSNA
Wrong audience for non-imaging device companies. Booth costs are brutal for first-timers.
ACS booth figures are estimates read from its published exhibitor prospectus ↗, not quotes. RSNA booth figures are estimates read from its published exhibitor prospectus ↗, not quotes. Confirm current pricing with each organizer before committing a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ACS or RSNA have more decision makers?
RSNA does, on our estimate: roughly 29,640 effective buyers against about 5,500 at ACS. Effective buyers multiplies total attendance by the share of attendees who hold purchasing authority, so RSNA works out to about 38,000 attendees at roughly 78% authority, and ACS to about 11,000 at roughly 50%. Both inputs are estimates drawn from organizer reporting and our own exhibitor research, so read the gap as directional rather than exact.
Want to add a third conference to this comparison?
Compare these conferences in our interactive tool →Other conferences you might consider
Buzzbox Media is a medical device advertising agency with over 15 years in medtech. See our conference marketing.