Compare CNS vs AANS
| 7.7 CNS | 8.5 AANS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 7.7 (Strong) | 8.5 (Excellent) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | October 31 - November 4, 2026 | May 1-4, 2026 |
| Location | Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX |
| Scale | large | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 4,500 | 4,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | n/a |
| Purchasing authority | ~60% | ~60% |
| Effective buyers | 2,700 | 2,400 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | n/a |
| 10×10 space | n/a | n/a |
| All-in estimate | Est. $10,000-$22,000 | Est. $15,000-$25,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $5.93 | $8.33 |
Why exhibit at CNS
CNS draws 4,500 neurosurgeons to a convention center venue that supports large exhibits and live demos. The younger attendee profile (more residents and early-career surgeons) makes it ideal for technology adoption and long-term brand building. Washington DC is easy to reach from most US cities.
Why exhibit at AANS
The premier gathering for neurosurgeons in North America. If you sell cranial navigation, spinal instrumentation, neuro-monitoring equipment, or surgical robotics, this is where the decision-makers practice and evaluate new technology. Concentrated, high-value audience of 4,000+ neurosurgeons.
Why skip CNS
If your product is primarily spine-focused, NASS may be a more targeted audience. CNS and AANS (the other major neurosurgery meeting) have significant attendee overlap, so exhibiting at both delivers diminishing returns. Pricing is not publicly available -- requires direct outreach to gauge value.
Why skip AANS
Very niche audience -- if your device is not neurosurgery-specific, attendance is too small to justify the cost. General surgery, cardiology, and non-neuro imaging vendors are wasted here.