The Association of Ethiopian Architects (AEA) annual convention,17th edition was held on 28th and 29th of August 2015, at Sheraton hotel, in Addis Ababa. The convention proved to be the single largest gathering of professionals of the building industry in the country. It was featured by a vibrant exhibition from representatives of companies. institutions and organizations of the building sector, insightful panel discussion, transforming ideas from professionals and the forging of new partnerships.

The highlight of the event was the Gala dinner in which Mr. Joachim Dieter, the Scientific Director of EiABC, gave a keynote speech to the stakeholders of the building sector. The speech was followed by singing of an agreement between EiABC and AEA regarding life long learning/continued education. In his speech Mr. Joachim emphasised on the importance of collaboration between the Ministry of Urban Development Housing and Construction, the AEA, the Master Plan Office and the EiABC. Together these institutions design cities. The director also highlighted the recent success of EiABC in its staff capacity building program, more than 25 of academic staff are now doing their PhD and are expected to return with success to assume their place in the institute as assistant professors, take over responsibilities in numerous chair-holder or director positions, being academicians and scientists.

Left to right- Mr Joachim Dieter, scientific director of EiABC and Ato Wondewosen Demerew, President of AEA