STS 2027
Overview
STS is the definitive buying show for cardiothoracic surgical devices in the US, with 5,000 attendees who are overwhelmingly practicing surgeons making OR purchasing decisions. At $37.50/sqft (2023 pricing), it offers strong value for a surgical specialty show. The STS/AATS Tech-Con adds a technology-focused audience.
Key Facts
- Host organization: The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Primary specialty: cardiothoracic surgery
- Scale: large
- Geography: US
- International attendance: ~15%
Best For
Buyer Stage Fit
Booth Costs
| Booth Type | $/sqft | 10×10 Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 Inline with corner | $37.50 | $3,750 | Min 100 sqft |
| Island space | $40.00 | $4,000 | Min 400 sqft |
All-In Cost Estimate (10×10 Inline)
| Space rental | $3,750 |
| 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 – $18,000 |
Does not include travel, staffing, booth display, or marketing materials.
Audience
~5,000 attendees, predominantly practicing cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees. Approximately 130 exhibitors annually. STS members are surgeons who make OR purchasing decisions for surgical devices, instruments, and capital equipment. The meeting also includes the STS/AATS Tech-Con technology showcase.
- Purchasing authority: ~60% of attendees
- Effective buyers: ~3,000
- Cost per effective buyer: $4.33 ($13,000 all-in ÷ 3,000 buyers)
- International attendance: ~15%
Venue & Logistics
- Venue: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA (2027); Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA (2026)
- Management company: Shepard Exposition Services
- Product theater: Available
Who Else Exhibits
Approximately 130+ exhibitors typically attend STS. Your competitors are here.
Our Take
Why Exhibit
STS is the definitive buying show for cardiothoracic surgical devices in the US, with 5,000 attendees who are overwhelmingly practicing surgeons making OR purchasing decisions. At $37.50/sqft (2023 pricing), it offers strong value for a surgical specialty show. The STS/AATS Tech-Con adds a technology-focused audience.
Why Skip
Narrow audience -- if your device is not used in the cardiac or thoracic OR, this is not your show. January timing in rotating cities can complicate travel planning. The 130-exhibitor hall means competition for surgeon attention is intense. Registration-only attendee model limits walk-in traffic.
Insider Tips
Shepard Exposition Services manages -- reliable operations. $37.50/sqft inline is competitive for a surgical specialty show. Surgeons are hands-on buyers, so plan for live demo opportunities. STS rotates cities annually.
Buzzbox Score: 9.7 / 10 (Exceptional)
9.7 out of 10. One of the strongest exhibiting opportunities in our index. Carried by exhibitor experience (9.5: managed by Shepard Exposition Services and non-union venue (simpler, cheaper move-in)). The lightest dimension is growth trajectory (8.5, large and well-established). STS is the definitive buying show for cardiothoracic surgical devices in the US, with 5,000 attendees who are overwhelmingly practicing surgeons making OR purchasing decisions.
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 (9.2): 60% purchasing authority, 38:1 attendee ratio, and large-scale event.
Strong (8.9): $38/sqft, right at the dataset median.
Strong (8.9): booth pricing published, exhibitor prospectus available, and 2 booth options documented.
Standout (9.5): managed by Shepard Exposition Services, non-union venue (simpler, cheaper move-in), and exhibitor-friendly host city.
Standout (9.0): solid exhibitor rationale, honest "who should skip" guidance, and product-theater opportunity for thought leadership.
Strong (8.5): large and well-established.
Key Deadlines
Detailed deadlines not yet verified for STS. Check the official site for the application window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a booth cost at STS?
An all-in 10×10 booth at STS runs roughly $8,000–$18,000, including space rental, drayage, electrical, carpet, and basic services. Travel, staffing, and booth display are additional.
How many people attend STS?
STS draws approximately 5,000 attendees. ~5,000 attendees, predominantly practicing cardiothoracic surgeons and trainees. Approximately 130 exhibitors annually. STS members are surgeons who make OR purchasing decisions for surgical devices, instruments, and capital equipment. The meeting also includes the STS/AATS Tech-Con technology showcase.
When is STS ?
STS is scheduled for January 28-31, 2027 (San Diego); January 29 - February 1, 2026 (New Orleans). Location: San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA (2027); Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA (2026).
Is STS worth exhibiting at?
STS is the definitive buying show for cardiothoracic surgical devices in the US, with 5,000 attendees who are overwhelmingly practicing surgeons making OR purchasing decisions. At $37.50/sqft (2023 pricing), it offers strong value for a surgical specialty show.