A Learning Expedition (LEX) is not just a business trip or a corporate retreat. It is a strategic learning journey that immerses business leaders and teams into innovative ecosystems to explore transformative ideas and turn insights into action.
Unlike traditional training or networking events, a Learning Expedition is experiential, curated, and outcome-driven. Whether you’re visiting startups in Singapore, scaleups in Silicon Valley, or sustainability pioneers in Copenhagen, a LEX helps you learn from the best, directly and in context.
1. What a Learning Expedition is NOT
- Not a sightseeing tour: Every visit is carefully selected for its relevance to your industry and strategic challenges.
- Not a team-building offsite: While bonding may happen, the primary goal is deep learning and strategic alignment.
- Not a series of conferences and keynote sessions: You engage in honest, direct conversations, not just passive listening.
- Not a startup safari: You meet actors and companies from various sizes with strategic value, not just whoever is available to pitch.
2. What a Learning Expedition REALLY is
A LEX is a hands-on, in-situ learning experience that enables organizations to:
- Explore new trends and technologies
- Benchmark against other industries or regions
- Challenge internal assumptions
- Gain actionable insights
LEX participants engage with entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and corporate innovators through site visits, workshops, and curated discussions. You return with more than inspiration: you return with strategic clarity and energy.
3. Why Do a Learning Expedition?
Organizations today face unprecedented complexity. A LEX can help by:
- Exposing teams to new business models and technologies
- Accelerating mindset shifts
- Creating momentum for transformation
- Building cross-functional alignment
- Identifying new opportunities and partnerships
Whether your goal is to redesign your customer experience, accelerate your innovation roadmap, or rethink your sustainability strategy, a Learning Expedition offers a unique learning catalyst.
4. Who Should Participate in a Learning Expedition?
A LEX is most effective when designed for:
- Executive Committees & Boards
- Innovation, Strategy & Transformation Teams
- High Potentials & Top Talents Cohorts
- Project Teams working on future-focused initiatives
- Clients & Partners involved in co-creation
Any organization undergoing change or planning for the future can benefit.
5. The Four Phases of a LEX
Every good Learning Expedition follows four key phases:
- Mandate: Align on objectives, themes, and participants.
- Co-design: Build the journey, select visits and speakers.
- Experience management: Prepare logistics, coach speakers, and manage risks.
- Learning experience: Deliver the program and facilitate daily insights.
Each phase ensures that the LEX is purposeful, impactful, and aligned with your transformation goals.
6. Types of Learning Expeditions
We design different types of Learning Expeditions to serve distinct strategic needs:
- Business: Focused on exploring specific markets or business opportunities.
- Innovation: Centered on discovering emerging trends, technologies, and ecosystem dynamics.
- Leadership: Designed to develop leadership skills through exposure, reflection, and peer learning.
7. Organize a Learning Expedition with Innovation Is Everywhere
At Innovation Is Everywhere, we’ve organized over 300 Learning Expeditions across 20+ ecosystems worldwide. From Tokyo to Nairobi, from São Paulo to Tallinn — we’ve helped organizations learn from the world’s most dynamic and diverse environments.
What sets us apart is our proven methodology, custom program design, and years of hands-on experience with global companies, institutions, and innovation leaders.
Whether you’re looking to shift mindsets, align teams, or uncover what’s next — we bring structure, relevance, and energy to your transformation journey.
Want to Plan a Successful Learning Expedition?
👉 Read our guide: 5 tips for planning a successful Learning Expedition
A Learning Expedition is not just a trip. It’s a turning point for your organization. If you need new ideas, fresh perspectives, or to build alignment around transformation : don’t stay in the meeting room. Go out into the world and meet the future.
FAQ Section
What is a Learning Expedition (LEX)?
A strategic learning journey designed to expose teams to cutting-edge ecosystems and trigger transformation.
How long is a Learning Expedition?
Typically from 1 to 5 days, depending on the objectives and scope.
Who organizes a LEX?
Specialized agencies like Innovation Is Everywhere that design and organize learning expeditions end-to-end.
What are the benefits of a Learning Expedition?
A Learning Expedition helps your organization break silos, align around a shared vision, and bring back momentum for change. It sparks fresh thinking, accelerates mindset shifts, and translates external insights into actionable strategies. You also build valuable connections with innovators tackling similar challenges in other sectors or regions.
Is a LEX only for large companies?
No. SMEs, public sector institutions, and startups also benefit greatly from LEX formats.