Lesson 28: Events every translator should attend

Even though I don’t particularly enjoy the tube, crowded buses, and long queues, I must admit that living in London has huge advantages for active professionals. In my opinion, this year is filled with interesting and helpful events, and I’m trying to squeeze in as many of them as possible. I do recommend attending various kinds of events to every translator and interpreter!

1. Continuing Professional Development events

There’s plenty of CPD events available for translators and interpreters in London. Usually organised by universities or translation organisations, these events are always in my calendar. CPD events vary from high profile courses (like interpreting in courts or English legal system for translators), through workshops (EU Translation Workshop), to regular CPD events held by professional organisations (Meet the Client). Prices of such events usually vary from as little as 10 pounds to 200-300 hundreds. It’s also a good idea to think of other, related courses or events you could attend to add extra skills. For example, I did a course on creative writing. Not directly translation-related, but I managed to practice writing and I’m sure it helped my blog.

What are the benefits of such events?
- knowledge
- CPD
- additional skills
- CV looks better
- networking

Last one I attended:
I attended two of those in the last 2 weeks. EU Translation Workshop was an energetic and hands-on experience (with too many different views per language, perhaps), and ITI’s Meet the Client was good to talk to translation agencies. Both events were reasonably priced and I enjoyed meeting colleagues.

2. Translation conferences and language shows

Every year there are several conferences around the world I’d love to attend, and it’s so difficult to make a wise choice. The main issue with conferences are costs. Two or three such events can be more expensive than 2-weeks-long holidays. I don’t want to be cheeky here, but that’s one of these great advantages of living in London. Language shows or exhibitions are a great source of inspiration.

What are the benefits of such events?
- conference atmosphere
- being close to recent developments in the field
- extensive international networking
- inspiration and motivation

Last one I attended:
The Language Show Live in London which is a regular event held in Autumn. I share my impressions and observations in here.

3. Specialisation-related events

I can’t imagine a better place to network and build relationships! I know it may be hard to find a law-related event, but I’m sure there are plenty of events held among professionals in various fields. There’s nothing wrong in you going to an IT or programming event and being “just an IT translator”. As an outsider, you will surely attract attention and people will talk to you.

What are the benefits of such events?
- knowledge, knowledge, knowledge
- contacts to experts in the field
- potential clients

Last one I attended:
Shame on me, but I haven’t attended any of my specialisation-related events. I’m planning to join a couple of smaller events on IT this year because I’m sure I’ll benefit from that.

4. Business events

There’s nothing out there to prevent you from grabbing a handful of business cards and leaflets, preparing your elevator pitch, and joining other business people in your area. Translators tend to be shy or coy, and they think that the great world of business is not about them. Well, you don’t have to employ people or have several retail points. But they do. And they may already know they’ll need translations, or you may convince them why translating a website may bring huge Return on Investment. Business events and networking meetings are usually free of charge, and the benefits are great.

What are the benefits of such events?
- networking with direct clients
- developing a brand
- making local contacts
- low competition

Last one I attended:
It wasn’t the best environment, as the event was huge and aimed at larger companies selling to smaller companies, rather than true networking. A review written by my colleague is available here.

5. Online events

On the 30th of September, the Institute of Translation and Interpreting together with eCPD Webinars organised a virtual coffee morning for translators and interpreters. Sometime later there was a virtual conference held on Translation Process Research by Aston University. Online events are becoming more and more popular!

What are the benefits of such events?
- easy to attend
- convenience of your own home
- international networking
- accessible even from most remote locations

Last one I attended:
Translation Process Research conference had its technical difficulties, but it was still amazing to listen to speakers from Finland or India! And we could chat in the meantime.

6. Networking events and meetings

Either organised by institutions, or just a few colleagues meeting up for a quick coffee, informal networking events are great. It’s so hard to meet a translator by chance, and sometimes we all crave for a friendly soul to complain about low rates or tough deadlines.
What are the benefits of such events?
- friendly atmosphere
- chatting with colleagues
- newest industry gossips
- coffee and cakes

Last one I attended:
I had a coffee with my colleague and we grumbled about the appalling state of public service interpreting in the UK. We managed to reassure each other and became really creative in finding alternative ways of employment. I find networking events or tiny meetings with colleagues very inspirational.

I’m trying to plan at least one of those events a month. Having said that, I must warn you all: if you’re not selective enough, or you’re too enthusiastic and visit them all, you’ll soon end up having no time left to work (been there, done that). There’s a wide range of events available, and we all should strive to find our best mix. What kind of events or meetings do you find most useful?

Marta Stelmaszak

Polski - English - Français translator and interpreter with 6 years of experience, specialising in law, IT, marketing, and business. A member of the Management Committee of the Interpreting Division at the Chartered Institute of Linguists and a Top 25 Twitterer (@mstelmaszak) and Top 25 Facebook Fan Page in Language Lovers 2012.

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You may also want to learn:

• Lesson 49: Do we use right words on our websites? Part 3: Copywriting tips for translators
• Lesson 48: Do we use right words on our websites to offer translation services? Part 2: Translators
• Lesson 46: 10 things a freelance translator should do at least once to be noticed
• Lesson 45: Slides and handouts on online marketing and social media for translators
• Lesson 44: Translators, do you know how to network?