Compare ACS vs ASCO
| 9.5 ACS | 9.6 ASCO | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.5 (Exceptional) | 9.6 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | September 26-29, 2026 | May 29 - June 2, 2026 (exhibits May 30 - June 1) |
| Location | Washington, DC (Walter E. Washington Convention Center) | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 11,000 | 35,000 |
| Exhibitors | — | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~35% |
| Effective buyers | 5,500 | 12,250 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | $43.5 | $94 |
| 10×10 space | $4,350 | $9,400 |
| All-in estimate | $8,000 – $15,000 | $20,000 – $35,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $2.09 | $2.24 |
Why exhibit at ACS
The largest general surgery meeting in North America. 80% surgeon audience gives unmatched access to the people who choose instruments, energy devices, and capital equipment for ORs nationwide. High-value face time with department chairs and residency directors.
Why exhibit at ASCO
The single largest oncology meeting in the world with 35,000+ attendees. If you sell radiation therapy equipment, oncology diagnostics, precision medicine platforms, or cancer imaging solutions, this is where global oncology leaders converge. Late-breaking clinical trial data drives massive foot traffic.
Why skip ACS
If your device is specialty-specific (spine, urology, ENT), you'll be lost among 200 exhibitors targeting general surgeons. Smaller specialty meetings deliver more concentrated buyer access for niche products.
Why skip ASCO
Overwhelmingly pharma-dominated -- the biggest booths and budgets belong to Pfizer, Roche, Merck, BMS, AstraZeneca. Device companies can feel invisible without $100k+ investment. Booth space at $94/sqft (inline) is among the most expensive in medical conferences.