Compare AAD vs ASPS/PSTM
| 9.8 AAD | 9.6 ASPS/PSTM | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.8 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | March 27-31, 2026 | October 15-18, 2026 |
| Location | Colorado Convention Center, Denver, CO | George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX |
| Scale | mega | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 20,000 | 5,000 |
| Exhibitors | 350 | 250 |
| Purchasing authority | ~45% | ~60% |
| Effective buyers | 9,000 | 3,000 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $45 | $38.5 |
| 10×10 space | $4,500 | $3,850 |
| All-in estimate | $8,000 – $14,000 | $7,000 – $12,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $1.22 | $3.17 |
Why exhibit at AAD
The largest annual dermatology meeting in the world, with 20,000+ attendees and 350+ exhibiting companies. If you sell laser systems, energy-based devices, injectables, or dermatologic diagnostics, AAD is the must-attend show where the majority of the US dermatology market assembles in one hall.
Why exhibit at ASPS/PSTM
The largest plastic surgery-specific meeting in the US, with strong purchasing authority from both aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons. Unlike the Aesthetic Meeting, PSTM draws the full breadth of plastic surgery including reconstructive, hand, and craniofacial -- making it ideal for surgical instruments, implants, and OR capital equipment, not just cosmetic devices.
Why skip AAD
The priority point system for booth selection heavily favors returning exhibitors, making it hard for first-timers to secure premium locations. The show is enormous, and smaller companies can get lost in the pharma-heavy exhibit hall unless they have a strong activation strategy.
Why skip ASPS/PSTM
If your device is purely cosmetic/aesthetic (injectables, body contouring lasers), the Aesthetic Meeting may deliver a more targeted audience. PSTM attendees skew toward academic and reconstructive surgery, so consumer-facing aesthetics companies may find less buyer intent here.