Organiser: Round Table Morocco
Dates: 9th — 13thMarch 2022
Location: Marrakesh, Morocco
Main Tour
Marrakech is an intricate maze of narrow streets and a world of souks. Protected from the sun by slatted awnings, visitors explore a variety of markets offering basketwork, dried fruit, spices, clothes, wool, skins, carpets, leatherwork, ironwork, and jewelry. Locally sourced fresh fruit showcased the proud agricultural history of the region.
The KENZI ROSE GARDEN set the scene for the 2022 Half-Year Meeting. A clean and authentic example of Moroccan architecture, Kenzi was within walking distance of most local attractions.
When visiting Morocco, the local food is always a highlight. As one of the premier cuisines in the world, this melting pot of flavors and centuries-old recipes left taste buds wanting more. Throughout our stay, tagine after tagine of tender beef, chicken, and vegetables was served graciously with endless amounts of couscous on the side. No one went hungry in Morocco, and even better, everyone loved this culinary experience.
The cool Moroccan nights allowed for evening parties where many old friends met each other again for the first time in years. This first night together in more than two years for Tablers worldwide was a perfect start to the event.
EXPLORING MARRAKECH
With the official meetings starting on Thursday, most participants were free to explore the resort and the Old City. The markets in the medina proved to be a particular highlight for many visitors, with local merchants especially appreciative of new clientele.
SHARING KNOWLEDGE
The Councillor’s Meeting was followed by training sessions and best practice exchanges between associations. This was a new initiative at an RTI meeting that will continue and grow. A central gathering point was permanently established and became very popular, with a pool reserved for Tablers and their guests.
ARABIAN NIGHTS
Buses whisked us away to a nearby venue for an authentic Arabian Night. Set up in a Bedouin-style tent, we were treated to many local dishes. Traditional dancing entertained guests throughout the evening. The event ended with a traditional horsemanship exhibition, showcasing the Moroccan people’s extraordinary relationship with equine arts. The Numidian charge concluded in a crescendo of gunfire, with the remarkable precision of hearing only a single shot.
THE MEETING
The Half-Year Meeting got underway with fantastic support from all the Round Table Family members present. A new and livelier format was tried and successfully implemented. The feedback on the work done by members worldwide, particularly the efforts to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, made everyone proud to be a Tabler. A short banner exchange followed the meeting, with gifts and greetings shared.
POOL PARTY
Then came the official pool party. Almost everyone got into the pool—some still in their full meeting attire. With most of the official work done, a relaxed atmosphere swept through the attendees. Fun hours in the sun were interspersed with new inductions into the Pool Lizard Association.
NATIONS NIGHT
A highlight of any RTI meeting is Nations Night. Attendees from all represented associations showcased their local delicacies, traditions, and clothing. Selections of cheeses, snacks, sweets, chocolates, and an endless variety of drinks were on display for everyone to sample. From chewing to drinking, and even a good snuff, first-time attendees experienced a sensory overload. Live music, games, and hundreds of people enjoying themselves proved the magic of Nations Night once again.
SHARING IS CARING
As part of the global blood drive, a donation station was set up for guests to contribute. Regional teams held their meetings, where they reviewed reports and discussed matters of common interest.
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
Another first saw the inaugural RTI Football Tournament take place. Six teams competed in a shortened format of five-a-side football, with representation from all regions except AMI. The competition was intense, with stamina running low due to the previous night’s festivities. The final was contested by two teams from CEE, proving how tough it will be for other regions to claim the trophy in Denmark.
GALA DINNER
The glitz and glamour of the Gala Dinner brought the Half-Year Meeting to a stylish close. After the formalities, course after course showcased the skills of local chefs. The evening ended, like the others, with a party at the hotel, followed by several groups heading out to explore Marrakech’s nightlife.
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE
Waking up on Sunday, the realization hit that the event had come to an end. Finishing off with brunch, goodbyes, and bags full of fond memories, attendees departed for the airport before heading their separate ways.
This event would not have been possible without an incredibly dedicated team running the show. Under the leadership of Thami Benkirane, Round Table Morocco hosted an event that will live on in the memories of all who attended. We could not have asked for a better way to reignite the passion that is International Tabling. Thank you for this incredible experience.
THE MEETING
Business Discussed
Full minutes of the meeting can be found on Tabler.World.
THE HALF-YEAR MEETING got underway with fantastic support from all the Round Table Family members present. A new and livelier format to the meeting was tried and successfully implemented. The feedback on the work done by members worldwide, particularly the efforts to help the humanitarian crises in the Ukraine, made everyone proud to be a Tabler. A short banner exchange followed the meeting, where gifts and greetings were exchanged.
Promotion of Event
Video