DDW 2026
Overview
The mega-event for GI. 13,000+ attendees from 4 major societies makes DDW the single largest gathering of digestive disease professionals globally. Named one of the fastest-growing shows in the US. McCormick Place is a world-class venue. Strong international draw at 25%.
Key Facts
- Host organization: AGA / AASLD / ASGE / SSAT (Joint sponsorship)
- Primary specialty: gastroenterology
- Scale: mega
- Geography: International
- International attendance: ~25%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
| Booth Type | $/sqft | 10×10 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inline | $35.00 | $3,500 | Min 100 sqft |
| Island/Corner | n/a | n/a | Min 400 sqft |
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | $3,500 |
| Drayage | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Electrical (20A) | $300-$450 |
| Carpet/padding | $200-$400 |
| Cleaning (3 days) | $150-$250 |
| Lead retrieval (1 unit) | $400-$900 |
| Wi-Fi | $500-$1,500 |
| Estimated total | $7,000-$13,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
13,000+ digestive disease professionals. Joint meeting of 4 societies: AGA (American Gastroenterological Association), AASLD (liver), ASGE (endoscopy), SSAT (surgery). Named one of the fastest-growing shows in the US.
- Purchasing authority: ~45% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~5,850
- Cost per effective buyer: $1.71 ($10,000 all-in ÷ 5,850 buyers)
- International attendance: ~25%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: Chicago, IL (McCormick Place Convention Center)
Who Else Exhibits
Exhibitor data coming soon for DDW.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
The mega-event for GI. 13,000+ attendees from 4 major societies makes DDW the single largest gathering of digestive disease professionals globally. Named one of the fastest-growing shows in the US. McCormick Place is a world-class venue. Strong international draw at 25%.
Why Skip
GI-only audience. If your device is for general surgery or non-GI specialties, this is the wrong show. The 4-society structure means attendees are spread across gastro, hepatology, endoscopy, and surgery -- your target buyer may be a fraction of the 13K total.
Insider Tips
New exhibitors have a 400 sqft minimum -- no small 10x10 starters. This is a barrier for small companies but also means the floor is more premium. $35/sqft inline rate is among the lowest for a mega-show. Full payment due Oct 31 of prior year -- plan cash flow accordingly.
Buzzbox Score: 9.7 / 10 (Exceptional)
9.7 out of 10. One of the strongest exhibiting opportunities in our index. Carried by growth trajectory (10.0: mega-scale and stable and one of the fastest-growing shows in the space). The lightest dimension is exhibitor experience (8.2, purpose-built convention venue). The mega-event for GI.
How we score
Six weighted factors, each scored on a 0 to 100 rubric then normalized to a 7.0 to 10.0 band. Every show on this list cleared a relevance bar to be included, so 7.0 is the floor; the number tells you how far the leaders pull ahead.
Strong (8.7): 45% purchasing authority (moderate), 43:1 attendee ratio, and mega-scale floor (13,000 attendees).
Strong (8.8): $35/sqft, right at the dataset median and union convention center (drayage / labor adds up).
Standout (9.8): booth pricing published, exhibitor prospectus available, and 2 booth options documented.
Strong (8.2): purpose-built convention venue, mega-show logistics are well-rehearsed, and reputation for smooth operations.
Standout (9.3): honest "who should skip" guidance, the flagship / largest show in its niche, and momentum / record-setting growth.
Standout (10.0): mega-scale and stable, one of the fastest-growing shows in the space, and growing year over year.
Key Deadlines
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Full Payment Due | 2025-10-31 |
| Cancel No Fee | Before 2025-10-31 |
| Cancel 50pct Fee | 2025-10-31 to 2026-01-09 |
| Cancel 100pct Fee | After 2026-01-09 |
| Late Applications | Full payment due within 30 days of submission |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at DDW?
An all-in 10×10 booth at DDW is estimated at roughly $7,000-$13,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional. Confirm exact pricing with the show organizer.
How many people attend DDW?
DDW draws approximately 13,000 attendees. 13,000+ digestive disease professionals. Joint meeting of 4 societies: AGA (American Gastroenterological Association), AASLD (liver), ASGE (endoscopy), SSAT (surgery). Named one of the fastest-growing shows in the US.
When is DDW ?
DDW is scheduled for May 2-5, 2026 (Exhibits May 3-5). Location: Chicago, IL (McCormick Place Convention Center).
Is DDW worth exhibiting at?
The mega-event for GI. 13,000+ attendees from 4 major societies makes DDW the single largest gathering of digestive disease professionals globally.