The International Conference on Medical Image Computing and Computer-Assisted Intervention (MICCAI) 2024 was held in the beautiful and culturally rich city of Marrakesh, Morocco, from October 6th to 10th. I had the privilege of attending the conference to present my poster titled
âConvex Segments for Convex Objects Using DNN Boundary Tracing and Graduated Optimizationâ
(PDF here).
As this was not only my first MICCAI but also my very first international trip, the experience was both exciting and slightly nerve-wracking.
The choice of Morocco as a conference venueâunconventional yet fascinatingâadded an extra layer of adventure and anticipation to the journey.
Casablanca to Marrakesh
Journey Begins
I traveled along with a group of five friends from India, and we met at Doha Airport before boarding our shared flight to Marrakesh via Casablanca.
It was during this journey that I first noticed a significant number of tourists from various Asian countriesâthough surprisingly, very few from India.
After landing in Marrakesh, we took a bus followed by a taxi to reach our accommodation at the Ibis Palmeraie Hotel.
Arrival at Merana Airport
Merana Airport
The journey to MICCAI 2024 began with arrival at Merana Airport. The modern architecture of the terminal welcomes international researchers and academics to Morocco for this prestigious medical imaging conference.
Merana Airport Terminal
Arrived... but tired!
We finally arrived at Marrakesh Airport, completely exhausted after nearly 18 hours of travel, including a 4â5 hour layover at Doha Airport.
Palmarie Conference Center - MICCAI 2024 Venue
Conference Venue
The conference was held at the Palmeraie Conference Centre, a spacious and beautifully designed venue that resembled a resort.
We posed for photos at the entrance, alongside the conference banners and sponsor displays, capturing the excitement of the moment.
The ambiance was vibrant, the facilities were well-maintained, and the food throughout the event was truly excellent.
With palm trees lining the area and a calm, resort-like atmosphere, it was the perfect setting for both academic exchange and informal networking.
Culinary arrangements at the conference
Conference Hospitality
The food at the conference venue was absolutely delightful. This year saw a record-breaking attendance of around 2,500 participants from across the globe, and the organizers did a commendable job in maintaining the overall experience.
We had the chance to savor a wide variety of dishes, including the famous shawarma, cooked tuna, turkey meat, and an array of French-Moroccan cuisine featuring freshly baked breads and local flavors.
It was my first time trying tuna and experiencing the traditional âdryâ version of shawarma.
Compared to the creamier variant commonly found in India, this version had a more rustic and authentic taste, though I must admit, I still prefer the Indian style!
Poster Presentation
This was my first time presenting a poster, and it turned out to be a thoroughly engaging experience.
Personally, I find poster presentations more rewarding than oral talks, as they allow for one-on-one interactions and deeper conversations with fellow researchers.
Beyond simply showcasing my work, I had the chance to connect with my advisorâs colleagues and engage with experts who offered valuable insights and potential extensions to my research.
Some even recognized the group I was working with, which made the discussions more fluid and constructive.
I spoke to so many people throughout the session that by the end, I had an actual sore throatâbut it was absolutely worth it.
My poster session at MICCAI 2024
Exploring the Conference Venue
Technical Presentations
We took some time to explore the conference center, and it was impressively large, featuring resort-style rooms and expansive open spaces.
The surroundings were dotted with tall date palm trees, giving the venue a serene and tropical feel.
Beyond the lush greenery, stretches of desert landscape added a unique charm, reminding us that we were in the heart of North Africa.
The blend of natural beauty and modern infrastructure made the setting truly memorable.
With my hotel neighbor, Saurabh, at the cultural meetup
With Saurabh
With my hotel neighbor, Saurabh, by my side, the conference experience became much smoother and more enjoyable.
Whether it was walking to the conference center or planning the next places to explore, he was always ready to lend a hand.
I honestly donât know how I would have managed my first international conference without him.
I still vividly remember the first day when we accidentally ended up at a completely different Ibis hotel and had to take a taxi to reach the correct one â a classic mix-up!
Through it all, Saurabh remained calm and collected, truly a total chill guy.
Collaborative discussions among conference attendees
Cultural Events
In the evenings, MICCAI typically hosts cultural events, and this year was no exception.
It was a great opportunity to network with researchers from different parts of the world, beyond our familiar Indian group.
The venue buzzed with local performances, traditional music, and cultural showcases that added flavor to the academic atmosphere.
Over some Coke and snacks, we chatted about our experiences and started planning the places we wanted to explore in and around Marrakesh once our poster sessions were done.
Cultural Dance and Music Performances
Exploring the vibrant souks of Morocco
Moroccan Markets a.k.a. "Souks"
One of the most fascinating aspects of Morocco was exploring the Souks, the vibrant local markets filled with handcrafted goods.
These markets reminded me of the famous Chandni Chowk in Kolkata, though much cleaner and noticeably pricier, catering mainly to European tourists.
A unique feature of the souks is the art of bargaining â as visitors, we were often quoted inflated prices, while locals knew the real value and didnât need to haggle.
To make transactions more economical, itâs highly recommended to carry Moroccan Dirhams rather than Euros or Dollars.
We had wisely exchanged a good amount of Dirhams at the airport beforehand, which made shopping much smoother.
En route to respective hotels
Back to hotels
Our group grew more vibrant as we joined with about six Indians from prestigious institutions like ISI Kolkata, IIT Patna, IIT Jodhpur, and more.
After exploring the souks, we visited several other places together, turning the trip into much more of an exciting excursion than just a conference visit.
Sharing similar experiences and cultural values helped us bond quickly and blend in seamlessly, making the journey even more memorable and enjoyable.
Journey to the Water Museum
Travel to the Water Museum and the "Desert"
We did a lot of walking during the trip. One day, since most poster presentations and workshops were handled by others and we still had a day left at the conference, we decided to leave early and visit the fantastic Water Museum.
Although we couldnât find a cab, we chose to walk there instead. While it wasnât the best idea given the distance, the journey turned out to be totally worth it as we experienced local culture firsthand and even saw camels and stretches of desert along the way.
Morocco's fascinating Water Museum
Water Conservation Heritage
Living in a water-surplus region, we often take water conservation for granted. However, after visiting the desert in Morocco, I realized how precious this resource truly is.
It never struck me until I had to pay nearly ten times more for a bottle of water there compared to prices in West Bengal or Mumbai.
Morocco has a long-standing tradition of water preservation, and visiting the Water Museumâa cultural heritage siteâwas an eye-opening and worthwhile experience that deepened my appreciation for sustainable water management.
The majestic Kutubiyya Mosque
Kutubiyya Mosque from another perspective
Historical Significance
The Qutubia Mosque is one of Moroccoâs most iconic landmarks, located close to the bustling souks.
On one memorable day, we explored the souks and the surrounding neighborhood of Qutubia, walking nearly 14 kilometers.
Walking proved to be the best way to soak in the local culture and atmosphere, far better than taking a taxi.
Morocco surprised us with its cleanliness, and the people we met were exceptionally friendly and helpful throughout our journey.
The area surrounding Kutubiyya Mosque with Purple Sky
Mosque Surroundings
The areas surrounding the Kutubiyya Mosque blend historical architecture with modern urban life, creating a unique atmosphere where visitors can experience the cultural significance of this iconic landmark.
The bustling Kutubiya Road
Exploring the vibrant Kutubya Road
Urban Exploration
Kutubya Road offers a glimpse into everyday Moroccan life, with a blend of traditional architecture, local businesses, and cultural elements that create a distinctly Moroccan urban experience for international visitors.
Chaiz Ali enjoying the gala festivities
Gala Dinner at the "Chaiz Ali"
The final gala dinner was held at the renowned Chez Ali restaurant, celebrated for its traditional Arab warriorsâ show complete with dazzling firecracker displays.
We had the chance to witness the performance firsthand and indulge in authentic Moroccan cuisine.
This immersive experience truly encapsulated the essence of Moroccan culture, making our journey all the more unforgettable.
The elegant MICCAI 2024 Gala Event
Gala Dinner Celebrations and final Conference Day
On the final day, we attended the grand Gala Dinner, which featured spectacular performances and a vibrant cultural gathering.
It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with many researchers from my field, fostering valuable academic and professional relationships.
The cultural program was truly enjoyable, with talented local performers lighting up the evening.
Chaiz Ali networking at the gala event
Indians Assemble
Our extended group of NRI friends also gathered at the dinner, where we relished dishes like succulent lamb meat and the famous khus-khus, rounding off the trip on a delightful note.
Indian delegation at the conference gala
Journey to Qatar
During my 8-hour layover at Doha Airport, I was initially hesitant about stepping out to explore Qatar, worried I might miss my connecting flight.
However, after speaking with the airport staff, I learned about a 3-hour guided tour that could be done comfortably within my layover window.
I opted for the value tour package, which took us around in a fully air-conditioned bus with free Wi-Fi.
The tour was packed with memorable sights â we saw camels, visited stadiums, explored historic and traditional architecture, admired the stunning skyline, and even browsed through local souks.
To top it all off, we tried a delicious traditional sandwich, making it an unexpectedly joyful and enriching detour on my way back home.
Art Museum, Qatar
Art Museum
Our first stop on the tour was the Museum of Islamic Art, a place where we witnessed a variety of traditional artworks and cultural treasures.
This iconic building, located on the Doha Corniche, was designed by the renowned architect I. M. Pei.
Standing before this architectural marvel, we enjoyed breathtaking panoramic views of Dohaâs stunning skyline â a perfect blend of heritage and modernity to begin our exploration of Qatar.
Qatar's impressive modern architecture
Modern Marvels
After the conference in Morocco, some participants extended their journey to Qatar. The country's stunning modern architecture showcases its rapid development and vision for the future, creating a striking contrast to Morocco's historical landmarks.
Encountering camels in Qatar
Cultural Heritage
Despite its modernization, Qatar maintains strong connections to its cultural heritage. Traditional elements like camel riding remain important cultural symbols that provide visitors with authentic experiences of Qatari history.
Qatar's Skyline
Exploring Qatar's diverse settings
Expanding Horizons
We then proceeded to the Katara Cultural Village, the largest and most diverse cultural project in Qatar.
This vibrant hub offers a unique opportunity to experience global cultures through its stunning theatres, concert halls, exhibition galleries, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Highlights of our visit included the magnificent Katara Mosque (also known as the âBlue Mosqueâ) and the Golden Masjid (the âGold Mosqueâ), each a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
Afterward, we strolled through the outdoor air-conditioned walkways to Galeries Lafayette, where we had some time to browse luxury brands and enjoy tax-free shopping.
The traditional souks of Qatar
Qatari Marketplaces, a.k.a. "Souqs"
We concluded our tour with a delightful stroll through the vibrant Souq Waqif, a bustling marketplace that truly captures the living heritage and traditions of Doha.
The souqâs colorful alleyways were filled with a blend of commerce, culture, and culinary experiences.
Among the highlights were the Falcon Souq and the renowned Falcon Hospital, one of the largest in the Middle East.
We also explored the Carpet Souq, Gold Souq, and the Art and Handicraft Souq, making it a richly immersive experience into Qatarâs traditional and commercial heart.
Along the way, what made this entire journey even more special was the company.
In addition to Saurabh, who had been my constant companion from the start, we also became good friends with Raja, whose energy and enthusiasm added so much to our explorations.
From navigating new cities to sharing laughs over local cuisine, these friendships turned a professional trip into a truly memorable adventure.
