OTA vs AAOS 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, OTA and AAOS 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. OTA draws 2,500 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $8,000–$18,000. AAOS draws 30,000 attendees at $10,000–$16,000 all-in. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 8.9 OTA | 10.0 AAOS | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 8.9 (Excellent) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | September 23-26, 2026 | March 3-7, 2026 (exhibit hall March 3-5) |
| Location | Music City Center, Nashville, TN | Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL |
| Scale | mid | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 2,500 | 30,000 |
| Exhibitors | 100 | 500 |
| Purchasing authority | ~65% | ~50% |
| Effective buyers | 1,625 | 15,000 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | — | — |
| 10×10 space | — | — |
| All-in estimate | $8,000 – $18,000 | $10,000 – $16,000 |
| Cost per buyer | $8 | $0.87 |
Why exhibit at OTA
OTA trauma surgeons are prolific device users -- they implant plates, screws, nails, and external fixation devices daily in high-volume emergency settings. The Surgical Suite format allows live demonstrations that other shows do not offer. Nashville's Music City Center is a modern, well-run venue with lower ancillary costs than coastal cities.
Why exhibit at AAOS
Global capital of orthopedic implant and instrument vendors. If you sell to ortho surgeons, you must be here. Cadaver labs and live surgical demos are the differentiator.
Why skip OTA
Only 2 days of exhibit hall limits exposure time. If your implant is elective-surgery focused (joints, spine), the trauma audience is not your buyer. The 100+ exhibitor count means the majors (Stryker, Zimmer, J&J, Smith+Nephew) dominate the floor. Pricing not publicly listed.
Why skip AAOS
Non-orthopedic devices are wasted here. Competition is brutal -- Stryker, Zimmer, DePuy, Smith & Nephew own the floor.