ARRS 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, ARRS 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. ARRS draws 2,500 attendees with an all-in 10×10 of $8,000-$14,000 (Buzzbox Media estimate, built 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.
| 7.7 ARRS | 10.0 RSNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 7.7 (Strong) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 12-15, 2026 | November 29 - December 3, 2026 |
| Location | David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA | Chicago, IL (McCormick Place) |
| Scale | mid | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 2,500 | 38,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | 650 |
| Purchasing authority, Buzzbox Media estimate | ~55% | ~78% |
| Effective buyers, Buzzbox Media estimate | 1,375 | 29,640 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | $41.25 |
| 10×10 space | n/a | $4,125 |
| All-in, Buzzbox Media estimate | Est. $8,000-$14,000 | n/a |
| Cost per buyer, Buzzbox Media estimate | $8 | n/a |
Why exhibit at ARRS
A well-respected, mid-size radiology meeting with engaged attendees: 98% are ARRS members, meaning high-quality radiology professionals, not casual walk-ins. At $4,500 for a 10x10, ARRS is one of the most affordable radiology shows in the US. Good for AI imaging, PACS, and diagnostic imaging companies that find RSNA too expensive.
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 ARRS
Much smaller than RSNA. If your radiology product needs mass exposure, RSNA (38,000 attendees) delivers more volume. ARRS is education-focused, so commercial booth traffic is lighter than RSNA.
Why skip RSNA
Wrong audience for non-imaging device companies. Booth costs are brutal for first-timers.
ARRS 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 ARRS or RSNA have more decision makers?
RSNA does, on a Buzzbox Media estimate: roughly 29,640 effective buyers against about 1,375 at ARRS. 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 ARRS to about 2,500 at roughly 55%. 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 healthcare marketing agency with over 15 years in medtech. See our conference marketing.