Compare AACR vs ASCO
| 9.1 AACR | 9.6 ASCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.1 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 17-22, 2026 | May 29 - June 2, 2026 (exhibits May 30 - June 1) |
| Location | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 23,000 | 35,000 |
| Exhibitors | 600 | n/a |
| Purchasing authority | ~20% | ~35% |
| Effective buyers | 4,600 | 12,250 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $48.5 | $94 |
| 10×10 space | $4,850 | $9,400 |
| All-in estimate | Est. $9,000-$16,000 | Est. $20,000-$35,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.72 | $2.24 |
Why exhibit at AACR
The world's largest cancer research conference -- 23,000 attendees, 600 exhibitors, 141 countries. If you make diagnostic instruments, genomics/sequencing platforms, liquid biopsy tests, or research reagents, AACR is where the global cancer research community sees your technology. The 6-day format gives more time for meaningful booth conversations than typical 3-day shows.
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 skip AACR
AACR is a research conference, not a clinical buying show. Purchasing authority is low (~20%) because the audience is predominantly academic researchers and scientists, not practicing oncologists with capital budgets. If you need same-quarter device sales, ASCO or ASH is a better fit. The exhibit floor also competes with 730 speaker sessions for attendee attention.
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.