Compare AAO vs ASCRS
| 9.5 AAO | 9.1 ASCRS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.5 (Exceptional) | 9.1 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | October 9-12, 2026 (Expo Oct 10-12) | April 10-13, 2026 |
| Location | Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC |
| Scale | mega | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 25,000 | 10,000 |
| Exhibitors | 450 | 200 |
| Purchasing authority | ~45% | ~50% |
| Effective buyers | 11,250 | 5,000 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | $41 |
| 10×10 space | n/a | $4,100 |
| All-in estimate | Est. $18,000-$30,000 | Est. $8,000-$14,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.13 | $2.2 |
Why exhibit at AAO
The largest ophthalmology meeting in the Western hemisphere. If you sell ophthalmic equipment (OCT, fundus cameras, slit lamps, IOLs, surgical instruments, lasers, diagnostics), AAO is mandatory. The concurrent AAOE program attracts practice administrators who influence purchasing. Subspecialty Day expands the audience to retina, glaucoma, cornea, and oculoplastics specialists.
Why exhibit at ASCRS
The most commercially productive ophthalmology show in the US. ASCRS attendees come to buy -- surgeons actively evaluate IOLs, phaco equipment, femtosecond lasers, diagnostics, and surgical supplies. At $39/sqft for inline and $41/sqft for islands, pricing is reasonable for the quality of buyer. The co-located ASOA program brings practice administrators who hold the checkbook.
Why skip AAO
Non-ophthalmic devices have zero audience here. The show competes with ASCRS (which is more commercially oriented for anterior segment). AAO is more education-focused, so pure booth-driven sales can be slower than ASCRS.
Why skip ASCRS
Narrow anterior segment focus -- retina, neuro, and oculoplastics specialists attend AAO instead. If your device is not used in cataract, refractive, cornea, or glaucoma surgery, ASCRS is the wrong show.