Social Program
July 19–24, 2026 · Puerto Rico Convention Center & Sheraton Puerto Rico Resort
NSREC 2026 takes place in San Juan, Puerto Rico—a destination where vibrant culture, rich history, and natural beauty come together. The conference committee has designed a social program highlighting some of Puerto Rico’s most memorable and historic sites, from a guided Old San Juan walking tour to an evening at the iconic Caribe Hilton.
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this vibrant and historic destination. I encourage you to join us for the conference social events and take time to experience the culture, cuisine, and hospitality that make Puerto Rico so memorable—from historic streets to waterfront evenings and iconic venues. ¡Bienvenidos! and welcome to NSREC 2026.
Conference Social Events
Welcome Reception
After registration, join us on the 4th floor of the Sheraton Hotel for complimentary refreshments in the Bellavista Terrace. The reception is open to Short Course attendees and registered guests—a great time to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances. NSREC badges are required for entrance.
Sunday registration is at the Sheraton Hotel (Level 2), 6:00–9:00 PM; the desk opens 5:00–7:00 PM to secure badges. For the rest of the week, registration is at the Puerto Rico Convention Center (Level 2), 7:30 AM–5:00 PM.
IEEE Young Professionals Luncheon
A luncheon “meet and greet” with an experience panel. IEEE members who are Young Professionals (those who graduated their first professional degree in the last 15 years; yp.ieee.org) are especially invited to register at no cost. An excellent opportunity to step away from the conference floor and mingle with other early-career attendees—come with your questions about careers, technical growth, and more.
Tickets are required—check the box for this event when you register.
Industrial Exhibits Reception
The 2026 Industrial Exhibits Reception, hosted by your NSREC exhibitors. All attendees and their registered guests are invited for complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres in Exhibit Hall A. Be sure to visit the booths and participate in the raffles. NSREC badges required.
A “special” LEGO promotion will be held—visit each booth to gather all the pieces and build a one-of-a-kind LEGO toy.
Women in Engineering Luncheon
Hosted by Farah El Mamouni, featuring a panel of outstanding women engineers discussing their diverse career paths and sharing tips and lessons learned with rising young women engineers. Limited availability—priority given to IEEE WIE members.
Tickets are required—check the box for this event when you register.
Conference Social — Caribe Hilton
Join your colleagues and friends for dinner, beverages, and entertainment at the iconic Caribe Hilton, a historic beachfront resort about 1 mile from the Sheraton. The evening begins with a cocktail hour on the grounds, followed by a buffet dinner served outdoors among palm trees overlooking the ocean (weather permitting). Throughout the night, guests enjoy live Puerto Rican music—salsa, Latin jazz, and traditional Boricua styles such as plena and bomba.
As the birthplace of the original piña colada, the Caribe Hilton offers a unique blend of history and Caribbean charm. For those not ready for the evening to end, chartered buses will continue to Old San Juan after the event (return to the hotel is each guest’s responsibility—taxis and rideshare are readily available).
Walking is possible but not recommended for safety reasons; buses will be provided.
Timeline
- 5:45 PM — Bus transport to Caribe Hilton (5–10 min)
- 6:00 PM — Doors open, cocktail hour
- 7:00 PM — Seating for buffet dinner
- 8:30 PM — Live performances
- 10:00 PM — Event end (bus back to Sheraton / charter to Old San Juan)
Pricing
| Ticket | Early | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18 yrs +) | $75.00 | $95.00 |
| Teen (13–17 yrs) | $55.00 | $75.00 |
| Child (4–12 yrs) | $45.00 | $65.00 |
| Infant (0–3 yrs) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Tickets are not included in conference registration—purchase them with your registration.
Companion Social Program
Old San Juan Walking Tour
A guided walking tour of one of the oldest and most historically significant cities in the Americas. Founded in the early 16th century, Old San Juan is renowned for its blue cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and rich culture. The tour begins at Plaza Colón and includes the Capitol of Puerto Rico, Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), and a walk along the scenic Paseo de la Princesa, with views of other landmarks such as Castillo de San Cristóbal, Catedral de San Juan Bautista, and La Fortaleza.
Timeline
- 9:15 AM — Meet at the Sheraton (top of escalators)
- 9:30 AM — Bus departs to Old San Juan
- 10:00 AM — Guided walking tour
- 12:00 PM — Bus departs to Sheraton
- 12:15 PM — Arrive at Sheraton
Pricing
| Ticket | Early | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Participant (7 yrs +) | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Infant (0–6 yrs) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Lunch is on your own. You may return by Uber or the free shuttle bus to the Sheraton (ask the hotel lobby for details).
Casa BACARDÍ
Discover the spirit of Puerto Rico with a visit to Casa BACARDÍ, the world’s largest premium rum distillery, set against the scenic backdrop of San Juan Bay. The Legacy Tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at the history, craftsmanship, and culture that have defined the Bacardí legacy for over 160 years—including a welcome cocktail, a short history tour and film, and access to the pavilion/bar. Without booking a tour, guests can also enjoy the food kiosk, the Bacardí store, or a cocktail at the Pavilion. Transportation included.
This tour is for ages 18+ only. Younger guests (0–17 yrs) are not allowed on the tour.
Timeline
- 12:15 PM — Meet at the Sheraton (top of escalators)
- 12:30 PM — Bus departs to Casa Bacardí
- 1:00 PM — Arrival at Casa Bacardí
- 2:30 PM — Bus departs Casa Bacardí
- 3:00 PM — Bus arrives at the Sheraton
Pricing — Legacy Tour (1:15–2:05 PM)
| Ticket | Early | Late |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (18 yrs +) | $45.00 | $50.00 |
| Child (0–17 yrs) | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Tour times were selected to best align with the group schedule and transportation.
Fitness Activities
Group Workout fitness classes led by Olga Paillet—a certified sport trainer, nutritionist, and fitness/gymnastics instructor with 20 years of experience in Paris. Classes run 45–60 minutes: a fitness cardio/strength circuit set to popular music, with simple, efficient movements to boost cardiovascular health, strength, muscle tone, and endurance. One-on-one attention from Olga; suitable for all fitness levels.
- Monday — 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday — 4:45 PM – 5:30 PM
- Wednesday — 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Wear your workout clothes! Special this year: possible morning Aquagym sessions at the Sheraton Hotel pool (4th floor)—ask Olga for details.
Activities Policies
Participation: All participants must be conference attendees, registered guests of an attendee, registered exhibitors, or registered guests of an exhibitor. Any children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times; no child may attend a function without adult supervision.
Cancellation: NSREC will refund all activity fees for attendees and/or companions who are unable to attend, as long as notice is provided. Request a refund by notifying John Teehan via e-mail (j.teehan@ieee.org) no later than June 30th.
Wheelchairs & strollers: Both can be stored in the luggage compartment of the buses, but you must provide your own personnel to push these devices.