SAGES 2026
Overview
The premier MIS/endoscopic surgery meeting with a highly engaged audience of early-adopter surgeons. Hands-on cadaver labs draw surgeons who are actively evaluating new instruments and techniques. Strong KOL concentration for building clinical advocacy.
Key Facts
- Host organization: Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
- Primary specialty: gastrointestinal surgery
- Scale: mid
- Geography: US National
- International attendance: ~15%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
| Booth Type | $/sqft | 10×10 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear/Corner (up to 10x30) | — | — | Min 100 sqft |
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | — |
| 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 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
Primarily GI and minimally invasive surgeons. Strong academic/teaching hospital representation. Hands-on cadaver labs are a major draw.
- Purchasing authority: ~65% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~1,625
- Cost per effective buyer: $7.08 ($11,500 all-in ÷ 1,625 buyers)
- International attendance: ~15%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: Tampa, FL (Tampa Convention Center)
Who Else Exhibits
Exhibitor data coming soon for SAGES.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
The premier MIS/endoscopic surgery meeting with a highly engaged audience of early-adopter surgeons. Hands-on cadaver labs draw surgeons who are actively evaluating new instruments and techniques. Strong KOL concentration for building clinical advocacy.
Why Skip
Smaller than ACS or AAOS, so total reach is limited to ~2,500 attendees. If your device is not GI/MIS-specific, the specialty focus works against you. Not ideal for pure capital equipment plays.
Insider Tips
SAGES surgeons skew academic and innovation-oriented. If you have new MIS instrumentation or robotic accessories, this is ground zero for peer influence. Freeman handles AV and services.
Buzzbox Score: 8.2 / 10 (Excellent)
8.2 out of 10. A top-tier show worth a serious line item. Carried by audience quality (9.1: 65% purchasing authority and hands-on / cadaver lab draws engaged clinicians). The lightest dimension is exhibitor experience (7.0, non-union venue (simpler, cheaper move-in)). The premier MIS/endoscopic surgery meeting with a highly engaged audience of early-adopter surgeons.
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.
Standout (9.1): 65% purchasing authority and hands-on / cadaver lab draws engaged clinicians.
Solid (7.7): $50/sqft, slightly above the $39 median and cost per qualified buyer runs ~$7.1.
Standout (9.1): booth pricing published, exhibitor prospectus available, and exhibitor count disclosed.
Solid (7.0): non-union venue (simpler, cheaper move-in) and purpose-built convention venue.
Strong (8.3): "who should skip" note included, the flagship / largest show in its niche, and innovation / startup pavilion.
Solid (7.8): mid-size with room to grow.
Key Deadlines
Detailed deadlines not yet verified for SAGES. Check the official site for the application window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at SAGES?
An all-in 10×10 booth at SAGES runs roughly $8,000–$15,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional.
How many people attend SAGES?
SAGES draws approximately 2,500 attendees. Primarily GI and minimally invasive surgeons. Strong academic/teaching hospital representation. Hands-on cadaver labs are a major draw.
When is SAGES ?
SAGES is scheduled for March 25-28, 2026. Location: Tampa, FL (Tampa Convention Center).
Is SAGES worth exhibiting at?
The premier MIS/endoscopic surgery meeting with a highly engaged audience of early-adopter surgeons. Hands-on cadaver labs draw surgeons who are actively evaluating new instruments and techniques.