Conference Agenda
SundayNov. 10
MondayNov. 11
TuesdayNov. 12
WednesdayNov. 13
ThursdayNov. 14
FridayNov. 15
SaturdayNov. 16
SundayNov. 10
Arrivals
Airport Meet & Greet
Check in at Hotel Fairmont Marrakesh
Lunch on Own
Afternoon Free
Evening
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Welcome Reception w/local vendors
MondayNov. 11
Breakfast at Hotel
Breakfast Symposium
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Scientific Session
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Spouse Tour:
Majorelle Gardens & YSL Museum
Global fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent made his second home in Marrakech for many decades, and his vision drove every detail behind the lush Majorelle Gardens, accompanied by a small but must-see Berber Museum. On a self-guided visit, make your way through the colorful gardens, which are home to many exoctic plants and trees. The garden walls and buildings are painted in the classic “Majorelle Blue”, a vivid blue created specifically for these gardens. Next door, the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum honors the fashion icon’s love of Marrakech and builds upon the collections housed at the Majorelle Gardens. When you’ve finished with the gardens, wander through the museum and view original YSL clothing on display as you learn more about his work and life history. Duration: 1.5 hours Attire: Casual/Comfortable attire4:00 pm – Dinner & Party in the Agafay Desert
You will embark on an unforgettable desert experience in the rocky Agafay Desert, located just outside Marrakech. The landscape is known for its rocky hills and, being a short drive away, it offers a taste of the desert without the distant journey to the Sahara. As daylight fades, enjoy a serene camel ride amid the setting sun. Immerse yourself in the essence of the desert with a dinner celebration set against Agafay’s natural formations. Dress in Moroccan attire and embrace the allure of this unique landscape. While Agafay may lack the Sahara’s iconic dunes, its charm creates an adventure worth relishing without the need for extensive travel. Join us for a night of cultural delight in the rugged beauty of Agafay—an evening blending tradition, scenery, and cherished memories.
Attire: Casual/Chic attire – Comfortable shoes
TuesdayNov. 12
Breakfast at Hotel
Breakfast Symposium
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Scientific Session
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Group Tours:
Moroccan Tagine cooking class with lunch
You will enjoy an immersive and fun experience: a Moroccan Tagine Cooking Class! Accompanied by a local “dada”, and with the help of an English translator, you will dig into all of the key components of a Moroccan meal, starting with how to prepare the famous Moroccan mint tea. From there, the hands-on portion of the course begins as you will prepare two different Moroccan starters. After that, you’ll finally learn to prepare your main course, the famous tagine. The class ends with a lunch where you eat your very own masterpiece! Duration: 3 hours Attire: Casual/Comfortable attireDIY Mosaic Workshop with a local artisan
The workshop revolves around mosaics, or “zelige”, which is featured in riads and traditional Moroccan homes. The workshop teaches you about the art of mosaic making, the different shapes and forms, and the raw materials involved, as well as the process of making and assembling the mosaics. You’ll both observe and get to try your hand at making parts of a mosaic tile, with your very own tile to take home afterwards. Duration: ~2-3 hours Attire: Casual/Comfortable attireAfternoon
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Group Tours:
Old Medina & Souk
During this guided tour, you will visit the medina and the souks of Marrakech, including the Jewish quarter. Morocco’s rich history includes a long period of Arab and Jewish communities accepting their differences and living and working together to bring success to their respective businesses. The Mellah in Marrakech refers to the area where the Jewish community resided. The term Souk refers to the markets, and the markets of Marrakech are located in a serpentine set of alleyways with twists and turns that can confuse even frequent travelers to the city! Our expert guide can give you an overview of how the souk is laid out and where the different sections are located, with each focused on a different set of goods (clothes, spices, lamps, shoes, traditional crafts, etc). Follow your visit to the medina with a guided walking tour of Djemaa El Fna Square. Expect a sensory overload as you make your way around this legendary square! From snake charmers to acrobats, storytellers, fortune-tellers, henna artists, musicians, and food vendors, the square’s energy is unparalleled. Duration: 3 hours Attire: Comfortable attire with comfortable shoesLunch at Al Baraka
Former home of Pasha El Glaoui, in the heart of the famous Jemaa El Fna Square, restaurant Al Baraka has not only preserved its architecture but also the authenticity of the Moroccan cuisine from Lalla M’baraka, former cook of the notorious Pasha. Attire: Casual/Comfortable attireDinner on Own
WednesdayNov. 13
Breakfast at Hotel
Optional Tours:
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Depart early from your hotel (5 or 6 AM) to the balloon grounds. After a quick briefing, you will get on board the balloon and enjoy a ride of about 40 minutes, where you soar above local villages and the plains of Southern Morocco.Once the ride is over, you will head to a nearby tent for a traditional breakfast. You’ll then be dropped back off at your hotel.
Duration: 45 min transfer per way – 45 min-1 hour (flight)
Attire: Coldwear casual/Comfortable attire
Full Day Group Tour:
Essaouira – Lunch at the Winery
After breakfast, you’ll drive west towards the Atlantic coast for a day trip in the charming coastal city of Essaouira (~3 hour drive). Stop along the way to visit an Argan oil co-op.You lunch will be at the Harbor (included). You will get to explore the city’s old ramparts, the medina, the artisan cooperatives, and the Jewish heritage sites as part of your guided visit of Essaouira. Learn all about the city’s history and the influence left over the centuries by the Carthaginians, Romans and Portuguese. Visit the harbor, which is a photographer’s dream, with fishing nets laid out on the quayside, boats unloading their catches and the smell of freshly-grilled sardines and lobster in the air, and browse the woodworking stalls where craftspeople produce thuya products, traditional to Essaouira. After your visit, you will drive back to Marrakech. Duration: Full Day – (3 hr transfer from Marrakech per way) Attire: Casual/Comfortable attireOr
Excursion to Terre d’Amanar Park (activities and lunch included)
Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, only 30 minutes away from Marrakech, this estate perfectly epitomizes ecotourism in Morocco, with sporty, natural and cultural as well as crafty and traditional activities of this Berber area. Duration : Full day Attire: Sports Wear/Comfortable attireOr
Day at Leisure
Dinner on Own
ThursdayNov. 14
Breakfast at Hotel
Breakfast Symposium
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Scientific Session
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Group Tours:
DIY Moroccan Leather workshop with a local artisan
Embark on a captivating exploration of Marrakech’s leather craft with a local artisan. Discover the heritage and skills behind leatherwork as you learn techniques to create your personalized piece, whether it’s a stylish bag, wallet, or unique accessory. Immerse yourself in the artistry, crafting your own handmade treasure to cherish.Duration: ~2-3 hours
Attire: Casual attire with comfortable shoes
Marrakech Modern Art Tour
Embark on a curated Marrakech Modern Art Tour, a one-hour exploration of avant-garde galleries in the vibrant Gueliz district. Led by a local expert well-versed in the city’s artistry, encounter diverse contemporary expressions, from abstract paintings to mesmerizing multimedia pieces. Visit artists’ studios to witness the fusion of Morocco’s rich heritage. Immerse yourself in Marrakech’s cultural world, departing with a newfound appreciation for its innovative and artistic wonders.Duration: ~1 hour
Attire: Attire: Casual/Comfortable attire
Lunch on Own
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Group Tour:
Guided visit of the monuments
Your tour of the monuments includes the Koutoubia mosque, the historical palaces of Marrakech, and the Saadian tombs. Stop by the Koutoubia Mosque, which is the iconic sight of Marrakech, located near the famous Djemaa El Fna square. Non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside, but you’ll be able to admire its architecture and history dating back to the 12th century, and how it became a symbol of Marrakech.
Next, visit the Badii Palace, intended as a lavish display of the best craftsmanship of the Saadian period, including some of the most expensive materials of the time, like gold and onyx. You’ll then stop at the Bahia Palace, containing a stunning set of interconnected gardens housed within — we encourage our guests to take a leisurely stroll and picture the scene as it was back in the 19th century.
Your tour will also include a visit of the Saadian tombs. Dating back to the 17th century, the tombs are historically significant, but the real reason to visit is the stunning beauty of the arches and other architectural features that define the site!
Duration: 2 hours
Attire: Comfortable attire with comfortable shoes
Evening
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
President’s Cocktails at Palais Selman & Hors d’oeuvre
The elegant and refined setting and the charm of the Arab-Moorish architecture make Palais Selman the perfect setting for a cocktail reception in Marrakech.
Attire: Formal attire
FridayNov. 15
Breakfast at Hotel
Breakfast Symposium
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Scientific Session
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Spouse Tours:
Hammam & Spa Treatment
Cap off your experience with a 1-hour traditional Hammam and Spa treatment. Indulge in this ancient ritual, where the hammam serves as a sanctuary for cleansing and relaxation. Enjoy the black-soap cleanse, followed by a refreshing cold-water rinse, preparing your skin for an invigorating scrub that leaves you rejuvenated and free from impurities. The Ghassoul mask, derived from Moroccan volcanic clay, nourishes the body, face, and hair, while the final step offers a relaxing massage using pure oils—a Moroccan essence of youth.Duration: 1 hour
Attire: Bathing suit
Bike around Marrakech
Exploring Marrakech by bike opens up a world of sights and sounds. Pedal through a carefully curated route in the vibrant streets, taking in the bustling markets, ornate architecture, and the city’s lively atmosphere. With each turn of the wheel, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history that make Marrakech so enchanting. Whether it’s the ancient city walls, the colorful souks, or the charming alleys, an hour of biking unveils a snippet of this captivating city’s soul.Duration: ~ 1-2 hour
Attire: Sports Wear/Comfortable attire
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lunch Symposium
Free Time
Farewell Gala:
Signature long table Gala dinner at Jnane Tamsna
As twilight descends, immerse yourself in the seamless unfolding of this extraordinary event. Traditional local musicians serenade and guide guests through candlelit pathways within the enchanting garden. Gather around a captivatingly adorned long dinner table, enveloped in the soft glow of countless candles, marking the beginning of an exceptional culinary journey.
Savor Mediterranean canapés, an array of Lebanese specialties, and an exquisite selection of seasonal delights and decadent desserts meticulously prepared for your enjoyment. Each dish presented adds an exquisite layer to this unforgettable affair, crafting an evening of culinary opulence that will linger warmly in your memory for years to come.
Attire: Chic attire / Comfortable shoes
SaturdayNov. 16
Breakfast at Hotel
Departures
Join us in Marrakesh, Morocco
120th Annual Meeting
of the New York Section of the AUA
November 10 - 16, 2024