Chapter 3
Where Science Meets Wellness
One of the reasons I was so excited to return to convention was the opportunity to continue learning.
One of the reasons Tracey agreed to come?
Exactly the same reason.
While many people think of the doTERRA Convention as a product launch event, we discovered it was much more than that. Throughout the week, we listened to researchers, physicians, educators, and company leaders who shared not only what’s new, but why it matters.
For Tracey especially, this was where the trip really came alive.
The Science Behind the Oils
If you’ve ever spent much time with Tracey, you know he doesn’t accept something simply because someone says it works.
He wants to understand why it works.
That’s one of the things I admire most about him.
Throughout the convention, we attended presentations from physicians, researchers, and scientists who discussed the growing body of research surrounding essential oils, human health, sleep, and overall wellness.
These weren’t sales presentations.
They were educational discussions backed by research and years of clinical experience.
One presentation on the importance of sleep particularly stood out. It was fascinating to learn how something as simple—and often overlooked—as quality sleep can affect nearly every aspect of our health.
As someone who enjoys understanding the science behind everyday life, Tracey was completely engaged.
I had a feeling bringing him to Salt Lake City had been a pretty good decision.
A Conversation That Made the Trip
One unexpected highlight came during a lunch break.
After one of the research presentations, Tracey noticed one of the guest scientists answering questions from attendees.
Most people simply walked by.
Not Tracey.
Before I knew it, he had introduced himself and struck up a conversation that lasted nearly ten minutes.
They discussed research methods, scientific testing, and several questions that hadn’t been addressed during the presentation.
Watching the two of them talk was honestly fun.
This wasn’t small talk.
It was two people genuinely enjoying a conversation about science.
As we walked away, Tracey smiled and said,
“That answered exactly what I was wondering.”
Sometimes the best part of attending an event isn’t what’s presented from the stage.
It’s the conversations that happen afterward.
Innovation Everywhere You Look
One of the most exciting moments each year is seeing the new products introduced during convention.
This year certainly didn’t disappoint.
New wellness products…New spa items…New educational resources…New ways for Wellness Advocates to support their customers.
There was definitely plenty to be excited about.
The showcase floor stayed busy all week as people sampled products, asked questions, and shared their favorites with one another.
Even if you weren’t interested in every new release, it was impossible not to appreciate the excitement filling the convention center.
The energy was contagious.
Stories That Stay With You
As much as we enjoyed learning about science and innovation, the presentations that affected us most had very little to do with products.
They were about people.
One speaker who deeply moved us was Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide.
She shared her incredible story of loss, forgiveness, faith, and healing.
Listening to someone who had endured such unimaginable tragedy—and still chose forgiveness over bitterness—was both humbling and inspiring.
It was one of those presentations that stays with you long after the applause ends.
Another powerful presentation came from Tim Ballard, founder of Operation Underground Railroad.
His organization works to rescue children from human trafficking around the world.
It was difficult to hear.
Heartbreaking at times.
But it was also encouraging to learn how organizations and individuals were working together to make a difference.
Moments like these reminded us that convention wasn’t simply about wellness.
It was about improving lives in many different ways.
More Than Products
Looking around the Salt Palace throughout the week, I noticed something that hadn’t stood out to me during my first convention.
People weren’t there simply because they liked essential oils.
They came to learn.
To reconnect with friends…To celebrate successes…To encourage one another…To leave inspired.
Whether someone was a physician, a teacher, a stay-at-home mom, a business owner, or simply curious about wellness, everyone seemed united by a common desire to continue learning.
That atmosphere made the experience feel surprisingly welcoming.
The Best Classroom Isn’t Always a Classroom
As the day’s sessions came to an end, Tracey turned to me with a smile.
“So…”
“What do you think?”
I laughed.
“I think I’m glad you came.”
He nodded.
“So am I.”
That simple conversation probably summed up the entire day.
Yes, we learned about science…Yes, we saw new products…Yes, we filled pages of notes.
But more importantly, we had shared an experience together.
And that made every presentation a little more meaningful.
Little did we know…
Some of our favorite memories from Salt Lake City still had nothing to do with the convention itself.