ASCO vs ASH 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, ASCO and ASH 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. ASCO draws 35,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $20,000–$35,000. ASH draws 27,000 attendees at $10,000–$18,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.6 ASCO | 9.6 ASH | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.6 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | May 29 - June 2, 2026 (exhibits May 30 - June 1) | December 12-15, 2026 |
| Location | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 35,000 | 27,000 |
| Exhibitors | — | 275 |
| Purchasing authority | ~35% | ~35% |
| Effective buyers | 12,250 | 9,450 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $94 | — |
| 10×10 space | $9,400 | — |
| All-in estimate | $20,000 – $35,000 | $10,000 – $18,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.24 | $1.48 |
Why exhibit at ASCO
The single largest oncology meeting in the world with 35,000+ attendees. If you sell radiation therapy equipment, oncology diagnostics, precision medicine platforms, or cancer imaging solutions, this is where global oncology leaders converge. Late-breaking clinical trial data drives massive foot traffic.
Why exhibit at ASH
The world's largest hematology meeting -- 27,000 attendees from 110+ countries. Late-breaking clinical trial data makes this the single most important event for hematology drug and diagnostic launches. If you sell flow cytometers, coagulation analyzers, cell/gene therapy products, or molecular diagnostics for blood disorders, ASH is the anchor show of your annual conference calendar.
Why skip ASCO
Overwhelmingly pharma-dominated -- the biggest booths and budgets belong to Pfizer, Roche, Merck, BMS, AstraZeneca. Device companies can feel invisible without $100k+ investment. Booth space at $94/sqft (inline) is among the most expensive in medical conferences.
Why skip ASH
Booth pricing is opaque and expensive (pharma dominates with massive booths). The audience is heavily academic and research-oriented, so pure diagnostic device companies may find more actionable buyers at CAP (pathology) or AABB (blood banking). December in New Orleans also means holiday scheduling conflicts for booth staff and potential weather disruptions.