ASH vs RSNA 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, ASH 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. ASH draws 27,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $10,000–$18,000. RSNA draws 54,000 attendees at $12,000–$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 ASH | 10.0 RSNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.6 (Exceptional) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | December 12-15, 2026 | November 29 - December 3, 2026 |
| Location | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA | Chicago, IL (McCormick Place) |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 27,000 | 54,000 |
| Exhibitors | 275 | 650 |
| Purchasing authority | ~35% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 9,450 | 24,300 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | — |
| 10×10 space | — | — |
| All-in estimate | $10,000 – $18,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $1.48 | $0.62 |
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 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 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.
Why skip RSNA
Wrong audience for non-imaging device companies. Booth costs are brutal for first-timers -- expect $80k minimum to be taken seriously.