ASCO 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, ASCO 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. ASCO draws 35,000 attendees with an all-in 10×10 of $20,000-$35,000 (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.
| 9.6 ASCO | 10.0 RSNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.6 (Exceptional) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | May 29 - June 2, 2026 (exhibits May 30 - June 1) | November 29 - December 3, 2026 |
| Location | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL | Chicago, IL (McCormick Place) |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 35,000 | 38,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | 650 |
| Purchasing authority, Buzzbox Media estimate | ~35% | ~78% |
| Effective buyers, Buzzbox Media estimate | 12,250 | 29,640 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $94 | $41.25 |
| 10×10 space | $9,400 | $4,125 |
| All-in, Buzzbox Media estimate | Est. $20,000-$35,000 | n/a |
| Cost per buyer, Buzzbox Media estimate | $2.24 | n/a |
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 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 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 RSNA
Wrong audience for non-imaging device companies. Booth costs are brutal for first-timers.
ASCO 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 ASCO or RSNA have more decision makers?
RSNA does, on a Buzzbox Media estimate: roughly 29,640 effective buyers against about 12,250 at ASCO. 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 ASCO to about 35,000 at roughly 35%. 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 medtech marketing agency with over 15 years in medtech. See our conference marketing.