Shopping for Equipment at a Dental Conference? Here's How to Get the Best Deals.

Attending a dental conference can be an exciting but overwhelming experience—especially when you’re shopping for equipment. With countless vendors, exclusive show deals, and limited time, how do you make sure you’re getting the best value without rushing into a decision you might regret?

Whether you’re in the market for a CBCT, a dental chair, or other essential equipment, our tips will help you navigate conferences like a pro and maximize your investment.

Here’s what to watch for:

Conference-Exclusive Pricing – Many vendors offer show specials, but the savings aren’t always as big as they seem. Some manufacturers provide deeper discounts when negotiating outside the conference.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics – Reps are trained to get you to commit on the spot. They’ll tell you “this deal won’t last,” but in reality, there’s often room to negotiate even after the event.

Hands-On Demos – Conferences are one of the few places where you can see, touch, and test equipment before buying. Take advantage of this, but don’t feel pressured to buy immediately.

Limited Price Transparency – Many vendors don’t advertise their true bottom-line pricing. They might offer a flashy discount at the booth, but the real best price might require some extra research and negotiation.

How to Walk Away with the Best Deal (Without Getting Burned)

1. Have a Plan Before You Arrive.

It's easy to buy impulsively when at a conference. Instead, make sure you go in with a game plan:

• Know what you need: Are you replacing a chair? Investing in digital dentistry? Upgrading your imaging? Define your priorities before you walk in.
• Research pricing in advance: Look up manufacturer pricing and recent deals so you can spot a real discount vs. a conference gimmick.
• Set a budget: It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and overspend. Decide in advance how much you’re willing to pay.

2. Use the Conference for Hands-On Demos, Not Just Deals.

If you’re serious about a piece of equipment, use the conference as your testing ground. You'll be able to see the units in person, and also get hands-on experience with functionality. When you're talking to vendors, here are some questions to ask:

• How does this compare to competitors?
• What are the long-term maintenance costs?
• What’s included in this price? (Installation, training, support?)
• What's the warranty? (both labor and parts)

3. Don’t Buy on the Spot. Instead, Negotiate Later.

Vendors want you to believe their conference deal is the lowest you’ll ever get. That’s rarely true. Here’s what you should do instead:

• Ask for their best price—but don’t commit. Say you need to compare with other vendors.
• Take notes and gather quotes. You’ll have stronger leverage when negotiating post-conference.
• Use a negotiation service like GroupUps to negotiate for you. We often secure better deals than vendors offer at conferences.

The Smarter Way to Buy: Compare Conference Pricing with GroupUps

Many dentists don’t realize that show discounts aren’t always the lowest available. Before locking in a deal, see how GroupUps can help you secure a better price.

• We negotiate directly with manufacturers and sellers to get pricing most buyers can’t access.
• We compare conference deals against pre- and post-show discounts to make sure you’re actually saving.
• We handle the back-and-forth, so you don’t have to waste time haggling with reps.

Thinking About Buying Equipment at an Upcoming Conference?

Buying equipment at a conference can be a great opportunity—but only if you’re getting the best deal on the right equipment. Before you commit, let GroupUps help you compare pricing. If it looks like we can get you a better price, GroupUps will handle the negotiation on your behalf. You'll save the time and hassle of negotiating, and we'll get a percentage of what we're able to help you save.