Compare AAP NCE vs APTA CSM
| 9.5 AAP NCE | 10.0 APTA CSM | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.5 (Exceptional) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | October 2-6, 2026 | February 12-14, 2026 |
| Location | San Diego, CA | Anaheim, CA (Anaheim Convention Center) |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 10,000 | 15,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | n/a |
| Purchasing authority | ~35% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 3,500 | 6,750 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $36 | $30.5 |
| 10×10 space | $3,600 | $3,050 |
| All-in estimate | Est. $7,000-$13,000 | Est. $5,500-$11,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.86 | $1.22 |
Why exhibit at AAP NCE
The largest pediatric conference in North America with 10,000+ attendees and excellent booth-to-attendee ratio. Strong purchasing authority among practice-owning pediatricians and group practice managers. $3,600 for a 10x10 is very reasonable for a mega-show, and the priority points system rewards long-term exhibitor relationships.
Why exhibit at APTA CSM
14,000+ physical therapists in one place — the single largest PT gathering in the world. At $30.50/sqft effective (10x10 = $3,050), it is one of the most affordable large rehab meetings. The non-profit rate of $1,575 is excellent for startups and academic institutions.
Why skip AAP NCE
If your device is not pediatric-specific, you will not connect with the right buyers here. Pediatricians generally work in smaller practices with lower capital budgets compared to hospital-based specialists. Vaccine and nutrition companies dominate the exhibit floor, so device companies may feel out of place.
Why skip APTA CSM
Physical therapists are not traditional medical device buyers — they influence equipment selection but procurement often runs through hospital/clinic purchasing departments. If your device requires physician prescribers, the PT audience is one step removed from the decision maker.