ARVO 2026
Overview
The world's largest vision research gathering -- 11,000 attendees from 75 countries. Essential for ophthalmic device companies that need to build relationships with researchers and KOLs who influence clinical adoption. If you have a diagnostic device, OCT system, or gene therapy product, ARVO is where the research community first encounters your technology.
Key Facts
- Host organization: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- Primary specialty: ophthalmology
- Scale: large
- Geography: International (US-hosted)
- International attendance: ~50%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
| Booth Type | $/sqft | 10×10 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard inline (10x10) | — | — | Min 100 sqft |
| Non-profit (10x10) | $9.00 | $900 | Min 100 sqft |
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | — |
| Drayage | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Electrical (20A) | $300 – $450 |
| Carpet/padding | $200 – $400 |
| Cleaning (3 days) | $150 – $250 |
| Lead retrieval (1 unit) | $400 – $900 |
| Wi-Fi | $500 – $1,500 |
| Estimated total | $6,000 – $12,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
The world's largest eye and vision research meeting -- 10,900+ attendees from 75 countries (2025). 80% of ARVO members attend every year. Heavily research-oriented: more researchers and academics than private-practice clinicians. Not the same audience as AAO (which is more clinical/surgical). NTP Events manages exhibition.
- Purchasing authority: ~25% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~2,750
- Cost per effective buyer: $3.27 ($9,000 all-in ÷ 2,750 buyers)
- International attendance: ~50%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO
- Management company: NTP Events
- Product theater: Not available
- Move-in: May 1-2, 2026
- Move-out: May 6, 2026 (5:15pm-midnight, must vacate by 12am May 7)
Who Else Exhibits
Approximately 200+ exhibitors typically attend ARVO. Your competitors are here.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
The world's largest vision research gathering -- 11,000 attendees from 75 countries. Essential for ophthalmic device companies that need to build relationships with researchers and KOLs who influence clinical adoption. If you have a diagnostic device, OCT system, or gene therapy product, ARVO is where the research community first encounters your technology.
Why Skip
ARVO is a research conference, not a buying show. Purchasing authority is low (~25%) because the audience skews academic and trainee. If you need same-quarter sales leads from private-practice ophthalmologists, AAO (American Academy of Ophthalmology) or ASCRS is a better investment. Also, the exhibit hall closes before the scientific sessions, reducing foot traffic during peak presentation times.
Insider Tips
Research-first audience means your booth staff needs to speak to clinical data and publications, not just product features. Poster session overlap drives traffic spikes -- time your demos accordingly. Denver venue shared with AAD 2026 (different month), so convention center will be familiar.
Buzzbox Score: 7.4 / 10 — Strong
Key Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Move In | May 1-2, 2026 (8am-5pm, must be set by Sat 5pm) |
| Move Out | May 6, 2026 (5:15pm-midnight) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at ARVO?
An all-in 10×10 booth at ARVO runs roughly $6,000–$12,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional.
How many people attend ARVO?
ARVO draws approximately 11,000 attendees. The world's largest eye and vision research meeting -- 10,900+ attendees from 75 countries (2025). 80% of ARVO members attend every year. Heavily research-oriented: more researchers and academics than private-practice clinicians. Not the same audience as AAO (which is more clinical/surgical). NTP Events manages exhibition.
When is ARVO ?
ARVO is scheduled for May 3-7, 2026. Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO.
Is ARVO worth exhibiting at?
The world's largest vision research gathering -- 11,000 attendees from 75 countries. Essential for ophthalmic device companies that need to build relationships with researchers and KOLs who influence clinical adoption.