VIVA vs RSNA for Exhibitors
Side-by-side data and our editorial take on which conference is the right exhibit investment for your medical device.
By Buzzbox Media · Last reviewed August 3, 2026
If you exhibit medical devices, VIVA and RSNA 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. VIVA draws 2,500 attendees with an estimated all-in 10×10 of $12,000-$25,000, read from the published exhibitor prospectus. RSNA draws 38,000 attendees with no booth pricing published by the organizer. Below is the side-by-side data plus our editorial take on which conference fits which kind of exhibitor.
| 8.5 VIVA | 10.0 RSNA | |
|---|---|---|
| Score | ||
| Buzzbox Score | 8.5 (Excellent) | 10.0 (Exceptional) |
| Event Details | ||
| Dates | October 3-7, 2026 | November 29 - December 3, 2026 |
| Location | Bellagio, Las Vegas, NV | Chicago, IL (McCormick Place) |
| Scale | mid | mega |
| Audience | ||
| Attendees | 2,500 | 38,000 |
| Exhibitors | n/a | 650 |
| Purchasing authority | ~65% | ~78% |
| Effective buyers | 1,625 | 29,640 |
| Costs | ||
| $/sqft | n/a | $41.25 |
| 10×10 space | n/a | $4,125 |
| All-in estimate | Est. $12,000-$25,000 | n/a |
| Cost per buyer | $11.38 | n/a |
Why exhibit at VIVA
VIVA is the only US show where interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, and vascular surgeons all attend together. If your device crosses specialty boundaries, this is uniquely efficient. The Las Vegas hotel venue and multispecialty faculty create a high-networking environment ideal for KOL cultivation.
Why exhibit at RSNA
Largest radiology gathering in the world. Essential for imaging equipment, contrast media, AI/digital health in radiology, and radiation protection vendors. Decision-makers come to see and touch new tech.
Why skip VIVA
Smaller than SVS VAM or TCT, so pure volume is limited. Las Vegas hotel venue (Bellagio) means premium exhibit costs. If your device is specialty-specific (e.g., only used by vascular surgeons), the multispecialty mix dilutes your target audience. Pricing is not publicly listed.
Why skip RSNA
Wrong audience for non-imaging device companies. Booth costs are brutal for first-timers.
VIVA booth figures are estimates read from its published exhibitor prospectus ↗, not quotes. RSNA booth figures are estimates read from its published exhibitor prospectus ↗, not quotes. Confirm current pricing with each organizer before committing a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VIVA or RSNA have more decision makers?
RSNA does, on our estimate: roughly 29,640 effective buyers against about 1,625 at VIVA. Effective buyers multiplies total attendance by the share of attendees who hold purchasing authority, so RSNA works out to about 38,000 attendees at roughly 78% authority, and VIVA to about 2,500 at roughly 65%. Both inputs are estimates drawn from organizer reporting and our own exhibitor research, so read the gap as directional rather than exact.
Want to add a third conference to this comparison?
Compare these conferences in our interactive tool →Other conferences you might consider
Buzzbox Media is a medtech marketing agency with over 15 years in medtech. See our conference marketing.