HIMSS vs ViVE for Exhibitors
Side-by-side data and our editorial take on which conference is the right exhibit investment for your medical device.
If you exhibit medical devices, HIMSS and ViVE are likely both on your shortlist. Both serve overlapping clinical buyers, but the audience composition, booth economics, and exhibit floor experience differ in ways that materially affect ROI. HIMSS draws 35,000 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $15,000–$22,000. ViVE draws 8,000 attendees at $18,000–$35,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.7 HIMSS | 9.0 ViVE | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.7 (Exceptional) | 9.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | March 9-12, 2026 | March 14-17, 2027 |
| Location | Las Vegas, NV (Venetian Expo + Convention Center) | Music City Center, Nashville, TN |
| Scale | mega | large |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 35,000 | 8,000 |
| Exhibitors | 1,200 | — |
| Purchasing authority | ~50% | ~50% |
| Effective buyers | 17,500 | 4,000 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | — |
| 10×10 space | — | — |
| All-in estimate | $15,000 – $22,000 | $18,000 – $35,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $1.06 | $6.63 |
Why exhibit at HIMSS
The #1 show for selling digital health, EHR-integrated products, and patient monitoring to hospital IT and admin buyers. Where enterprise deals start.
Why exhibit at ViVE
The fastest-growing health IT event in the US, complementing HIMSS with a more innovation-focused, startup-friendly vibe. 8,000+ executives including 2,000+ C-suite from health systems. Ideal for digital health, AI/ML, telehealth, cybersecurity, and EHR-adjacent products. Turnkey booths (furniture, AV, electrical included) reduce the all-in cost surprise.
Why skip HIMSS
Wrong audience for clinician-first devices (surgical instruments, implants). Pure clinical audiences are thin here.
Why skip ViVE
ViVE competes directly with HIMSS for the health IT audience and many attendees go to both -- budget for one. Younger event (launched 2022) means less institutional inertia and relationships. Pricing is opaque (contact sales only) which makes budgeting harder. If you need clinical end-users (physicians, nurses), this is not the show.