LOS ANGELES (RNS) – At the recent Conscious Life Expo held at the LAX Hilton Hotel from February 20-23, 2026, Debbie Solaris, a military veteran, shared her remarkable experiences of alien encounters with an attentive audience, describing colossal ships and beings with distinctive larger heads and eyes. Solaris's transformative journey began in 2012 following an out-of-body experience that shifted her focus from environmentalism to becoming a galactic historian. Her testimony is emblematic of the many spiritual seekers attending the expo, drawn by the allure of New Age beliefs.
The 24th annual expo attracted more than 5,000 attendees and featured a diverse array of speakers, including former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson and conspiracy theorist Mikki Willis. Initially rooted in topics such as astrology and sustainability, the expo has shifted toward more cosmic themes, and many prominent figures now promote their identities as either channels for aliens or as aliens themselves. This evolution reflects a broader cultural shift, amplified by social media and the ongoing search for meaning in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Michael Satva, co-producer and son of one of the expo's founders, noted that the event has transformed into a “religion about aliens” and remarked on the generational gap in understanding this evolution. His father, Robert Quicksilver, established the expo in 2002, aiming to create a space for alternative spiritual beliefs. Quicksilver explained that the expo stands for "planetary transformation," emphasizing freedom and unity among attendees interested in various spiritual practices.
As participants navigated the vibrant atmosphere marked by sounds of ethereal music and colorful bohemian art, they encountered booths offering an array of services from psychic readings to health remedies. Notable attractions included a psychic offering insights from alien mantis beings and products promising divine healing, illustrating the eclectic and sometimes controversial nature of the expo's offerings.
Influencers have played a crucial role in expanding the expo's reach, with a surge in interest surrounding the notion of channeling extraterrestrial wisdom. Figures like Gina Aguero and Elizabeth April, who purport to connect with higher-dimensional beings, are examples of how the rise of social media has transformed the landscape of New Age spirituality. Aguero, inspired by influencer Althea Lucrezia Avanzo, highlighted the conference’s role in broadening her understanding and healing her belief systems.
The pandemic era significantly contributed to the acceptance of conspiracy theories within New Age circles, as many in this community began viewing governmental actions with skepticism. Matthew Hannah, an expert on conspiracy movements, pointed out that the distrust in institutions has fostered an environment conducive to the spread of such beliefs at events like the expo. While the expo's organizers acknowledge the presence of conspiratorial content, they strive to foster a message of love and positivity.
Noteworthy is Sacha Stone, a controversial figure known for promoting conspiracy narratives. His lecture at the expo illustrated the intersections of New Age beliefs and conspiracy theories, exploring a range of topics from anti-gravity technology to allegations of global elites engaging in sinister practices. Noelle Cook, an author studying the blend of spirituality and extremism, remarked that many individuals are drawn to these ideas in their pursuit of belonging and purpose, rather than a desire for extremism.
The phenomenon of "conspirituality," a term coined to describe the convergence of conspiracy theories and New Age beliefs, was palpable at the expo. Panel discussions often echoed apocalyptic themes reminiscent of End Times narratives, forecasting significant cosmic events that align with New Age teachings about spiritual ascension.
As the expo drew to a close, audience members expressed both excitement and apprehension regarding their spiritual journeys. One woman shared her concerns about her partner not ascending to a higher dimension alongside her, encapsulating the deeply personal nature of these beliefs. The overall tone remained lighthearted, with rituals and play illustrating the continuity of creative expression within this spiritual framework, suggesting that for many attendees, the expo remains a vital source of hope and identity in an increasingly uncertain world.
