ARVO vs ASCRS 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, ARVO and ASCRS 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. ARVO draws 11,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $6,000–$12,000. ASCRS draws 10,000 attendees at $8,000–$14,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.2 ARVO | 9.1 ASCRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.2 (Exceptional) | 9.1 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | May 3-7, 2026 | April 10-13, 2026 |
| Location | Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC |
| Scale | large | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 11,000 | 10,000 |
| Exhibitors | 200 | 200 |
| Purchasing authority | ~25% | ~50% |
| Effective buyers | 2,750 | 5,000 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | $41 |
| 10×10 space | — | $4,100 |
| All-in estimate | $6,000 – $12,000 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $3.27 | $2.2 |
Why exhibit at ARVO
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 exhibit at ASCRS
The most commercially productive ophthalmology show in the US. ASCRS attendees come to buy -- surgeons actively evaluate IOLs, phaco equipment, femtosecond lasers, diagnostics, and surgical supplies. At $39/sqft for inline and $41/sqft for islands, pricing is reasonable for the quality of buyer. The co-located ASOA program brings practice administrators who hold the checkbook.
Why skip ARVO
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.
Why skip ASCRS
Narrow anterior segment focus -- retina, neuro, and oculoplastics specialists attend AAO instead. If your device is not used in cataract, refractive, cornea, or glaucoma surgery, ASCRS is the wrong show.