Compare AACR vs ASTRO
| 9.1 AACR | 10.0 ASTRO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.1 (Exceptional) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | April 17-22, 2026 | September 26-30, 2026 (Exhibits Sept 27-29) |
| Location | San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA | Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC), Boston, MA |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 23,000 | 11,000 |
| Exhibitors | 600 | 170 |
| Purchasing authority | ~20% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 4,600 | 4,950 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $48.5 | $49 |
| 10×10 space | $4,850 | $4,900 |
| All-in estimate | $9,000 – $16,000 | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.72 | $3.23 |
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 ASTRO
The definitive conference for radiation oncology and medical physics. If you sell linear accelerators, proton therapy systems, treatment planning software, radiation protection, or brachytherapy equipment, ASTRO is where department-level purchasing decisions begin. Medical physicists -- who heavily influence capital equipment selection -- attend in force.
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 ASTRO
Very narrow audience. Non-radiation-oncology devices have no buyer here. The $49/sqft rate plus $2,000 island surcharge makes it expensive for the audience size. Capital equipment companies (Varian, Elekta, Accuray) dominate the floor.