When translators attend industry conferences, they’re investing in both their personal and professional development.

It stands to reason that, when translators attend industry conferences, they’re investing in both their personal and professional development. These conferences can be invaluable and participants leave with amazing insights into the translation business, not forgetting the fact that it’s the ideal opportunity for meeting potential clients and collaboration partners, and making new friends.

We understand that having to travel long distances to attend a conference can be a costly experience, both in time and money but, generally, the benefits are extremely worthwhile. Here are our reasons why we believe translators should make an effort to attend industry conferences –

Staying Current and Up-To-Date

In recent years, the translation industry has seen rapid advances in new technology, such as CAT tools, voice recognition software, project management software, and much more. Generally, the speakers at these conferences specialize in new technologies and will have already devoted a lot of time sifting through various information from many sources in order to present you, the translator, with the very latest information. Another bonus of attending translation conferences is that they generally have an area set aside where suppliers and vendors can display their products. These vendors can offer invaluable information on the current business climate, innovations available to translators, and how one can stay ahead in this very competitive industry.

Knowledge Sharing

Basically, a translation conference is a non-stop exchange of knowledge, with both you and your colleagues being contributors to the stream of information. When people who share the same profession get together they generally love to share advice and tips; from the best tool for converting PDF files to editable text, to where one can find the latest and greatest glossary. Successful people are usually extremely generous with their advice, and it’s here at these conferences that you’ll be the recipient of a lot of free and valuable information. If you have any questions, all you need to do is ask?

Making Invaluable Connections

Translation conferences are the ideal arena for meeting new clients and colleagues and making new friends. Meeting what you consider to be your competition can be a really informative experience, and often leads to landing new clients and projects through the process of networking and referrals. When you meet and speak with other people in the translation profession you open yourself up to new opportunities and new ideas which energize you and help you to refocus your career goals.

Translation Conferences are a Lot of Fun!

These types of excursions provide the perfect opportunity to break away from your daily routine, knowing that you’re doing something amazing for your career and that you’ll be meeting new and interesting people. There’s always so much to learn, and this is the very place where you’ll learn new and innovative ideas. Stay positive and always have a curious mindset, and we believe that attending a translation conference can be one of the best things you can do for your career. Besides, who doesn’t get a little excited about taking a break from their everyday life and experiencing new people and new surroundings?

Yes, your work will definitely benefit from attending a professional translation conference, but the conference itself isn’t work. So relax, and enjoy the experience. There’s a lot to learn, and you can have a great time while enhancing your career at the same time.