Expectations can color experience. Sometimes the color is just a shade and other times it can be a completely different hue.

This being my first Lifewave convention I went in with zero expectations—except to enjoy every minute, learn what this company is all about and hopefully not be too turned off by a lot of hoopla. I’m not into over-the-top motivation—it just seems disingenuous and self-serving in its essence.

What I experienced over 3 days was a first-class event—one could even say a world-class event as there were people from all across the globe. I almost felt at times like I was at the Olympics with the pride of the nations represented through the waving of flags, the camaraderie, and most impressively, the inclusion of leaders from other countries in the speeches and panels we listened to—some through interpreters; which is always a delight to hear other languages being spoken.

In many ways this convention was more a celebration than anything else. We were treated to music and dance from Ireland, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and more. We celebrated and recognized everyone in the company who had achieved rank. And although I was not amongst that group, the energy of the celebration was uplifting and made my heart feel happy!

The opening night 80’s party was over-the-top loud with the driving beat of a live band, crazy costumes and a crowd that was ready to let loose and have a good time. There were also throwback sets, such as larger than life Walkman and Rubik’s Cube, and a diner booth. So many memories were captured here—groups of friends that came together and groups of strangers who were getting to know each other for the first time.

The Saturday evening black tie gala was the coup de gras. Elegant, polished, classy—a celebration of life and of the potential of this company and how much it cares for the future of all of us.

In between the celebrations we were treated to the knowledge, expertise and wisdom from world renowned speakers like leadership author John C. Maxwell, our own CEO David Schmidt, the entire leadership team, and a surprise appearance by the talented Doug Drexler, Oscar-winning visual effects artist and designer who spent over 20 years representing the future working on television shows, including Star Trek. Even comic and TV host Howie Mandel made an appearance, albeit via some incredible holographic technology.

In fact, David Schimdt stunned the audience by making his debut on stage at the convention holographically. It wasn’t until the real “David” walked on stage side by side his holographic double that we realized what had just taken place. What a way to make an entrance! EPIC, as this holographic technology is called, will be used by Lifewave to beam leadership around the world without leaving a carbon footprint.

The excitement continued with the announcement and the unveiling of design renderings of the new corporate headquarters, opening early next year in Salt Lake City. As a lifelong fan of the series Star Trek, David Schmidt chose Doug Drexler to design the new Welcome Center. Futuristic in its design and technology, the center will also be a place for everyone to learn about the past, present, and future of this great company. I can’t wait to visit!

Researching ways to increase our lifespan drives David Schmidt to look in places most wouldn’t ever imagine to look. This year he revealed some mind-blowing studies he is doing into longevity using lobsters! When unthreatened, lobsters can live to be 130 years old. Their blood holds the key and David is developing a device that will in some way translate what he had discovered into a product for humans. I’m sure you’ll want to stay tuned for this one!

At last year’s convention David unveiled his first drone called Flying Wing. This year his next generation drone, Voyageur, was introduced to the crowd. As a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) model, this drone will be able to further the mission of helping bring relief to disaster zones, like the fires in Maui, the hurricanes in Florida, and any other humanitarian crisis. Powered by an unrivaled clean energy source, this latest drone can stay in the flight for periods of up to 40 hours, hover over a location at a speed of only 10 mph and carry payloads far exceeding normal drone capacities. And as if that wasn’t enough, David has also envisioned and designed his drones to be communication hubs, allowing for uninterrupted, safe (think non-5G), and uncensored cellular service.

I consider the power of this knowledge as nothing less than a celebration of the creativity and potential that lies within all of us and I hope everyone in the room came away with the feeling that they are in the right place and that they hold the key to their future.

While I heard some people voice disappointment in there not being a new patch or product they could walk away with, I think what we were given was far more significant. The brilliant mind and vision of David Schmidt combined with the integrity of solid leadership is setting up Lifewave to be an untouchable force in network marketing. They have masterfully combined the innovation and the research and development of products, with a humanitarian mission that will go far beyond donating relief money in times of crisis. And they are doing this globally which is even more impressive.

I sat, listened and took it all in—I left feeling hopeful and uplifted from the joy and passion of the entire celebration. Until next year…