by Mahider Tadesse & Sofeeyah Lloyd
The African Union Conference Center (AUCC) is one of Africa’s most technologically advanced conference centers.
Located inside the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the AUCC comprises a conference center, office complex, and state-of-the-art facilities. It’s home to the biannual AU summit and serves as a venue for African and international events all year round.
If you’re considering hosting an event or conference at the AUCC, we’ve got everything you need to know in this quick guide.
When you’re finished reading, get in touch. Our local team in Addis have organized countless events – big and small – in the city. They know the nitty gritty of hosting at the AUCC and every other conference center in the city.
Quick Tips About the AUCC
- The African Union Conference Center (AUCC) is located within the African Union’s headquarters.
- It’s a 30-minute drive from the airport when there is no traffic.
- The AUCCC offers 56 meeting rooms, including state-of-the-art conference rooms, meeting spaces, and offices suitable for grand conferences and intimate gatherings.
- Entry to the complex involves strict security protocols to ensure attendees’ safety and maintain the institution’s integrity.
- There are plenty of excellent hotels within a 15-20-minute drive from the AUCC.
Convenient Location
The AUCCC is located to the west of Addis Ababa city center.
This prime location is also home to various diplomatic missions, embassies, and international organizations, making it a key area for international relations and diplomacy. This district also offers access to cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and local markets, providing visitors with a taste of Ethiopia’s vibrant culture.
Bole International Airport is roughly 30 minutes drive away. However, if any of your event participants are traveling during peak traffic hours, allow at least 1 hour to get to or from the airport.
Conference Rooms at AUCC
AUCC has 56 meeting rooms, including 8 conference halls, within its complex.
The largest conference room can accommodate up to 1,500 pax in a school room arrangement and is the most suitable for gala dinners, receptions, and special events.
The AUCC also contains 3 medium conference halls and 4 small conference halls, with capacity ranging from 10pax all the way up to 4,500.
Finally, there are 37 small function rooms, including Caucus Rooms, Briefing Rooms, Committee Rooms, VIP Halls, Amphitheater, Multipurpose Room, and Lobby Areas.
Room Name | Capacity | Best For |
Large Conference Hall | 1,500 pax schoolroom seating | Gala Dinners, Receptions, Special Events |
Medium Conference Hall (3 rooms) | 4,500 pax theater seating | Theater Productions, Product Launches, Concerts |
Small Conference Hall (4 rooms) | 10 – 200 pax | Committee Meetings, Breakaway Rooms, Private Strategy Sessions |
Caucus Rooms (30 rooms) | 21 – 34 pax | Working Meetings, Internal Meetings, Small Committee Meetings, and Decision-Making Boards |
Briefing Rooms (5 rooms) | 53 pax | Workshops, Product Briefings, or Press Conference |
Committee Rooms (2 rooms) | 31 – 46 pax | small group meetings requiring a conference format |
VIP Lounge | 9 pax | Interviews Or Press Conferences in a Small Committee |
VIP Conference Hall | 36 pax | High-Level Vip Conferences and Selective Short Meetings |
VIP Meeting Rooms (5 rooms) | 6 – 8 pax | High-stakes Meetings that require a high-level quality standard of comfort |
Lobby Area | Adaptable | Cocktails, Forums, and Exhibitions of Human Scale. |
Multipurpose Room | 600 pax | Receptions, Cocktails, or Cultural Events. |
Amphitheater | 1,000 pax | Mini-concerts, Graduation Programs, and All Kinds Of Programs That Require An Enjoyable Open-Air Environment |
AUC Compound Esplanade | Open-Air Events | |
External Wardroom | Open-Air Events | |
Designated Parking Area | Cars and Huge Machines Exhibitions/Sales |
Event Services and On-site Facilities
At the AUCC, you’ll discover a range of essential audiovisual equipment, including:
- Simultaneous translation booths
- Public address systems
- Sound systems
- LCD screens
- Plasma smart TVs
These are meticulously designed to elevate the quality of your events, enhancing audio clarity and visual impact and ensuring a superior experience for attendees. In addition to these technological amenities, ample and secure parking is available, providing event attendees with convenience and peace of mind.
AUCC offers customized decorations to tailor the ambiance of your events to your liking, creating a unique and personalized atmosphere. Their cleaning services ensure the venue is immaculate and well-maintained throughout your event.
Catering services are available throughout for every event size and type, with a wide array of culinary options. Participants can also dine in the restaurant gallery, offering a variety of dining choices to suit different tastes. Or they can make use of the kitchen services if they want to bring their own food – something we don’t see often!
For added security and peace of mind, AUCC offers professional security services to safeguard your event.
With these comprehensive services and facilities, AUCC is well-prepared to host and enhance various events.
Requesting Conference Rooms at AUCC
Requesting for one of the 56 meeting rooms in AUCC seems simple:
- Request online via their website
- Download the request form on their website and submit it via mail to their official post office mailbox.
However, this is just the start. There are 56 meeting rooms at the AUCC. Deciding which one makes sense for your event, and then figuring out what support you need, security clearances, etc. can be incredibly tedious and stressful.
If you plan to host an event or conference at AUCC, we can help. Our Ethiopia events team has organized many conferences at AUCC and can guide you through the process. Send us an email to get started.
Entry and Security Protocols
The AUCC has a comprehensive security system in place to ensure the safety of delegates and staff.
If you’re hosting or attending an event here, take the following into consideration:
- All attendees must present a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driver’s license.
- Attendees are subject to security checks, including a bag check, body search, and metal detector screening.
- Attendees are also required to wear a visitor badge at all times. Visitor badges are issued at the AUCCC’s security checkpoint.
- The AUCC’s security protocols are designed to protect visitors and staff from various threats, including terrorism, crime, and natural disasters. The security protocols also protect the AUCCC’s facilities and assets.
- The AUCC’s security team constantly monitors the security situation and updates the security protocols as needed.
Accessibility
The AUCC is committed to accessibility and has some features designed for people with disabilities to participate in events at the AUCC on an equal basis.
- All entrances to the AUCC are wheelchair accessible, and there are wheelchair ramps throughout the building.
- All elevators and restrooms in the AUCC are accessible to people with disabilities.
- Braille signage is installed throughout the AUCC to assist people with visual impairments.
- Sign language interpreters are provided on request for events at the AUCC.
- Assistive listening devices are also available for people with hearing impairments.
The AUCC also has several other accessibility features, such as:
- Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities located near all entrances to the AUCC.
- Accessible transportation for people with disabilities to and from the airport, as well as to and from other locations in the city.
- Accessible accommodations located near the AUCC that are accessible to people with disabilities.
Hotels Near the AUCC
For your international participants, there are numerous hotels close to the AUCC.
- Sodere Hotel – AU (400m): This luxurious design hotel, just a stroll away from UNECA, offers a blend of modern comforts and a rich tapestry of contemporary African art. With diverse dining choices, a picturesque pool area, and a spa, it’s the perfect destination to relish modern amenities in an exquisite setting.
- Afro Legacy Hotel (800m): This gem uniquely blends modern comfort and African cultural heritage. With top-notch amenities and personalized service, AfroLegacy Hotel promises a memorable and authentic experience in the city’s heart.
- ALEKEB Hotel (750m): A welcoming haven that fuses Ethiopian hospitality with modern comfort. Alekeb Hotel promises a memorable stay in the vibrant capital city with well-appointed rooms, an on-site restaurant serving delectable Ethiopian cuisine, and a convenient location near major attractions.
- Blue Nest Hotel (1km): Provides easy access to the city’s key attractions and business districts. The hotel’s modern amenities, tastefully designed rooms, and attentive service ensure a pleasant stay. At the same time, its on-site dining options and cozy ambiance make it a perfect choice for business and leisure travelers.
Slightly further away (15-20 minutes’ drive), you’ll find international chains such as the Sheraton, Hyatt Regency, and Radisson Blu. They’re all fantastic choices, but commute times will be a little longer and you will need to consider Addis’s terrible traffic.
Day Tours at the AUCC
A daily AUCC Guided Tour is available. The tour lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes and covers the following:
- The history of the AUCC and how it was built
- The architecture and design of the AUCC
- The different facilities available at the AUCC
- The various events and conferences that are held at the AUCC
- The significance of the AUCC to Africa and the world
Conclusion
The AUCC is the epicenter for critical discussions, intimate gatherings, and large-scale events in Addis Ababa.
As you consider the AUCC for your future events, it’s essential to recognize the significance of this institution and its commitment to advancing the African continent. Whatever type of event you want to host, the AUCC invites you to be a part of its rich history and the bright future it strives to create.
Our team is committed to making your planning process easy and enjoyable. With our expertise and local presence, we’ll guide you through hosting your event at the African Union Conference Center.
Get in touch with your inquiries or to start planning your event.
