Compare AAOS vs NASS
| 10.0 AAOS | 8.9 NASS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 10.0 (Exceptional) | 8.9 (Excellent) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | March 3-7, 2026 (exhibit hall March 3-5) | October 14-17, 2026 |
| Location | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL | San Antonio, TX (Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center) |
| Scale | mega | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 30,000 | 3,500 |
| Exhibitors | 500 | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~60% |
| Effective buyers | 15,000 | 2,100 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | $41 |
| 10×10 space | — | $4,100 |
| All-in estimate | $10,000 – $16,000 | $8,000 – $14,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $0.87 | $5.24 |
Why exhibit at AAOS
Global capital of orthopedic implant and instrument vendors. If you sell to ortho surgeons, you must be here. Cadaver labs and live surgical demos are the differentiator.
Why exhibit at NASS
The spine industry's most-attended event with an exhibitor-to-attendee ratio that makes competition fierce but access exceptional. 340 exhibitors means the industry takes this show seriously. Spine surgeons come to evaluate implants, biologics, and navigation tech hands-on.
Why skip AAOS
Non-orthopedic devices are wasted here. Competition is brutal -- Stryker, Zimmer, DePuy, Smith & Nephew own the floor.
Why skip NASS
Exclusively spine-focused. If your product is not directly spine-related, you'll be invisible. The exhibitor-to-attendee ratio (~1:10) is very high, meaning intense competition for surgeon attention.