DOURO EXPERIENCE - Lean Innovation Challenge

A Conference Experience Far Beyond the Conference

ELEC 2026 is pleased to present a truly distinctive and memorable experience: the Douro Experience – Lean Innovation Challenge.

Taking place on the second day of the conference, this exclusive full-day activity will take participants to the heart of the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest demarcated wine regions.

^{Fonte: https://www.cruzeiros-douro.pt}

The experience will begin early in the morning, with departure scheduled for approximately 08:00 a.m., marking the start of an unforgettable boat journey along the Douro River. Along the route, participants will enjoy some of the most breathtaking landscapes of the region while engaging in a unique experience of learning, networking, and discovery. Breakfast and lunch will be included during the journey, providing opportunities for interaction and informal networking among participants from different countries, institutions, and sectors.

^{Fonte: https://www.livingtours.com/pt/}

Far beyond a traditional technical visit or social activity, the Douro Experience has been designed as an immersive learning journey combining innovation, collaboration, and cultural discovery. Participants will be challenged to work in multidisciplinary teams and take part in a dynamic Lean Thinking-inspired challenge, fostering collaborative problem-solving, creativity, and knowledge sharing in a truly inspiring environment.

^{Fonte: https://rotadodouro.pt/}

Throughout the day, during the boat journey, participants will have the opportunity to:

• Apply Lean Thinking concepts and tools in a practical and engaging context;
• Collaborate with academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals from different countries and fields of expertise;
• Share experiences and best practices in Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement;
• Strengthen international collaboration networks in a relaxed and stimulating environment;
• Discover the culture, gastronomy, heritage, and unique landscapes of the Douro Valley.

^{Fonte: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/}

The boat journey will conclude in the late afternoon, upon arrival at an iconic Port Wine estate (quinta) located in the heart of the Alto Douro. In this setting of exceptional beauty, participants will have the opportunity to visit the estate facilities, learn about the history and processes behind Port Wine production, and enjoy a special dinner, closing the day in an atmosphere of conviviality, sharing, and celebration.

^{Fonte: https://www.vagamundos.pt/}

The Douro Experience – Lean Innovation Challenge embodies the spirit of ELEC 2026 and its conference theme - “Lean Thinking for a Sustainable and Human-Centered Digital Future” - demonstrating that learning, innovation, and collaboration can flourish far beyond the conference room.

More than a complementary conference activity, this is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and share experiences while sailing through one of the world’s most beautiful wine landscapes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.