CHIME vs HIMSS 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, CHIME and HIMSS 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. CHIME draws 1,100 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of TBD. HIMSS draws 35,000 attendees at $15,000-$22,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 7.7 CHIME | 9.7 HIMSS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 7.7 (Strong) | 9.7 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | November 11-14, 2026 | March 9-12, 2026 |
| Location | Gaylord Rockies Resort, Denver, CO | Las Vegas, NV (Venetian Expo + Convention Center) |
| Scale | mid | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 1,100 | 35,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | 1,200 |
| Purchasing authority | ~85% | ~50% |
| Effective buyers | 935 | 17,500 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | n/a |
| 10×10 space | n/a | n/a |
| All-in estimate | n/a | Est. $15,000-$22,000 |
| Cost per buyer | n/a | $1.06 |
Why exhibit at CHIME
The highest concentration of healthcare CIOs and C-level IT leaders at any US conference. 85%+ purchasing authority among attendees -- every conversation is with a decision-maker. Intimate format (1,100 attendees) means meaningful interactions rather than badge-scanning. If you sell to health system IT leadership, CHIME is the most efficient show in the country.
Why exhibit at HIMSS
The #1 show for selling digital health, EHR-integrated products, and patient monitoring to hospital IT and admin buyers. Where enterprise deals start.
Why skip CHIME
Small attendee count (1,100) limits total lead volume. Premium pricing relative to audience size makes it expensive on a per-attendee basis. Companies need to maximize every interaction -- this is not a volume play. No clinical audience whatsoever.
Why skip HIMSS
Wrong audience for clinician-first devices (surgical instruments, implants). Pure clinical audiences are thin here.