Hinman vs YDC 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, Hinman and YDC 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. Hinman draws 13,500 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $8,000–$14,000. YDC draws 28,000 attendees at $8,000–$15,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 9.8 Hinman | 9.7 YDC | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 9.8 (Exceptional) | 9.7 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | March 12-14, 2026 | January 29-31, 2026 |
| Location | Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, GA | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC), Boston, MA |
| Scale | mega | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 13,500 | 28,000 |
| Exhibitors | 400 | 323 |
| Purchasing authority | ~45% | ~45% |
| Effective buyers | 6,075 | 12,600 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | — |
| 10×10 space | — | — |
| All-in estimate | $8,000 – $14,000 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $1.81 | $0.91 |
Why exhibit at Hinman
The Southeast's premier dental meeting with 13,500+ attendees and 400+ exhibitors. Hinman draws heavily from the Sun Belt -- Georgia, Florida, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Alabama -- one of the fastest-growing dental markets in the US. The attendee mix (4,000 dentists + 3,000 hygienists + 1,600 assistants) ensures every role in the dental practice is represented.
Why exhibit at YDC
One of the top 3 largest dental meetings in the US with 28,000 attendees and 323 exhibitors. Yankee draws heavily from the New England and Northeast corridor -- a wealthy, practice-dense region with high purchasing power. If you sell dental equipment, supplies, imaging, or software, this is a must-attend for Northeast market penetration.
Why skip Hinman
Regional draw limits national reach. The priority point system makes it difficult for first-time exhibitors to get premium booth locations. If you need West Coast or Midwest coverage, CDS Midwinter or Pacific Dental Conference are better options.
Why skip YDC
Regional draw limits value for companies already strong in the Northeast. If you need national reach, ADA Annual Meeting or CDS Midwinter Meeting cover more geography. The show runs Thursday-Saturday, which can be challenging for staff scheduling.