Meet the organisers

The botanica conference series grew out of  Rhiannon Lewis' desire to connect plant-passionate professionals from around the world for a time of sharing information, education, networking and sourcing quality products. 

Running biennially since 2012, in the face of the pandemic in 2020, the botanica series pivoted to a virtual conference edition using state-of the-art technology to offer an immersive and live experience for all participants - all the while maintaining the original dream of educational excellence and knowledge sharing.

Always responsive to participants' evolving needs, Rhiannon has changed the format for botanica2026, spreading it across 3 separate one-day events throughout the year.
This brand-new format maintains the same rigour of content and immersivity whilst enabling an easier and more accessible participation for all.

The botanica conference series continues to enjoy worldwide acclaim as the leading aromatherapy and plant therapeutics conference event worldwide.

We look forward to you joining us!

Rhiannon Lewis of Essential Oil Resource Consultants

Rhiannon Lewis has been active in the field of clinical aromatherapy since 1989 as a practitioner, author, educator and consultant. Her interest in essential oils and related plant extracts effectively dovetails with her passion for making a difference to health and quality of life of sick patients.

Rhiannon stands as a global authority in clinical aromatherapy, serving as director of Essential Oil Resource Consultants (France) and founder of the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network (ICAN). With a career spanning over three decades, she has been a pivotal force in advancing the professionalization and evidence-based application of aromatherapy within healthcare systems around the world.

Rhiannon’s work is driven by a mission to ensure the safe, effective and scientific application of essential in clinical environments, from hospitals to hospices and other healthcare settings. Her leadership has been instrumental in moving clinical aromatherapy from a niche practice to a respected component of integrative healthcare.

Rhiannon is the founder and host of the acclaimed  Botanica conference series that brings together herbal and aromatherapy professionals from around the world for education, networking and sourcing of quality supplies. This conference series that is renowned for its educational excellence has been running since 2012.  
Botanica takes place online, with 3 botanica events taking place in 2026.

Rhiannon  is also founder and host of the biennial Essence of Clinical Aromatherapy International Seminar that has been running since 2017, the last addition of which took place in-person at Bath University (UK) in 2025.

Beyond education, Rhiannon is also a formidable international bridgebuilder.
She founded the International Clinical Aromatherapy Network  in 2021. ICAN  is a vibrant global aromatherapy community that fosters a worldwide dialogue on best aromatherapy practices and research. This growing and dynamic network connects over 2000 aromatherapy professionals in more than 90 countries in a safe, professional and ethical online space.

She is also a long-time and active member of the organising committee of Phyt’Arom Grasse – a bilingual aromatherapy and herbal medicine conference based in France and she works closely with the Gattefossé Foundation, helping to advance the place of clinical aromatherapy in the context of integrative medicine.

Rhiannon’s contribution and deep dedication to the field of aromatherapy has not gone unnoticed; in 2000 she was made a Fellow of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists, in 2009 she received an outstanding achievement award from the Alliance of International Aromatherapists and in 2019 she received a lifetime achievement award from the same organisation.

Rhiannon says...

botanica2026 marks a bold new chapter in the world’s most respected conference series dedicated to aromatherapy and plant medicine. Building on over a decade of excellence, this unique conference series invites you to explore the science, tradition, and therapeutic potential of plants in a whole new way.
I 'm excited to unveil a brand-new format: a series of three one-day, online deep-dive immersions, each dedicated to a single plant species or plant genus These unique events will take you on a journey through every aspect of the chosen plant - from botany, cultivation and sustainability, to research, extraction, traditional uses, and clinical applications.

I 'm looking forward to welcoming you personally!

Marie-Anne James of EYAS EVENTS

Rhiannon and Marie-Anne have been working together since 2020, hosting and administrating both the botanica conference series and the Essence of Clinical Aromatherapy International Seminar series.

Marie-Anne is the keystone of all the administrative and coordination aspects of botanica2024. She is CEO of Eyas: Conference and Event Management based in the UK.

Eyas has been managing conferences and events for 40 years. With a heritage spanning over 4 decades, Marie-Anne took over the family business in 2007.

Marie-Anne says...

We are proud to still be working with many of our original clients as well as continuing to grow and establish relationships with new clients who operate in a range of sectors across the globe. Our client relationships are at the heart of what we do. Our approach to event management enables the Eyas team to understand our clients and their business, which in turn allows us to flourish in the events we produce. It is very important to us that we respond quickly and enjoy good relationships with everyone who signs up to one of our events, we try to make everybody feel as welcome as possible.

Mohammad Bilal, from vFairs

vFairs has been partnering with Rhiannon and Marie-Anne since 2020, offering a platform for the successful execution of the Botanica Conference and Essence of Clinical Aromatherapy International Seminar series.

Muhammad Bilal became part of the team in 2021 as the dedicated project manager from vFairs and has continued to play a crucial role in ensuring seamless setup and delivery of various conferences. Through adept utilization of the platform's features, Muhammad Bilal ensures that participants and organizers derive maximum benefit from vFairs. With unwavering dedication, Muhammad Bilal is committed to providing top-notch support, making botanica2026 an exceptionally valuable experience for all participants. 

Muhammad Bilal says...

At vFairs, we consistently strive to fulfill both our clients' and our own expectations when organizing events. Witnessing the success of a project we've collaborated on is particularly rewarding, especially with colleagues like Rhiannon and Marie-Anne. Working alongside them has always been an exciting, fulfilling, and meaningful experience, making me eagerly anticipate botanica2026.

vFairs is G2’s #1 rated Event Management Platform that goes the extra mile to help you host stellar in-person, hybrid, and online events. Since 2012, the modular event technology platform has helped thousands of organizations create, manage, and promote bespoke conferences, trade shows, hiring events, and more.