Build Connections, Grow Your Career, and Explore the World:
From Paris Hilton photobombing my picture at The Grove to savoring the most delicious stuffed waffle in Berlin, conferences are your playground for making new connections, elevating your career, and soaking up unforgettable travel experiences. Whether you’re interpreting, translating, or navigating the language field in any capacity, these events are a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be explored. It’s not just about collecting business cards—it’s about sharing laughs, swapping stories, and indulging in incredible food along the way!
Hi! I’m Susana Weeber, a part-time freelancer, and I’ve had the privilege of attending two of the industry’s major events: the ATA Conference in Los Angeles and ELIA Networking Days in Berlin. The ATA, being the biggest translator and interpreter conference in the world, was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I get to meet some incredible people (and I mean incredible), but I also left with my brain buzzing from all the new ideas, tips, and connections I made along the way.
But let me tell you—whether it’s a local conference or an international one, these events can be absolute game-changers. You’ll walk in with a notebook and a few business cards, and you’ll walk out with lifelong friendships, new clients, and a fresh take on your career.
Networking: The Magic Ingredient
You’ve probably heard a million times how important networking is, but seriously, it’s the secret sauce of career growth. At conferences, you get to meet people who not only understand the industry but are just as passionate as you are about it. These aren’t just LinkedIn connections; these are real people you’ll grab coffee with, partner up on projects with, and maybe even send memes to when the workday gets a little too long (let’s be real, we’ve all been there).
During the ATA Conference, I made it my mission to meet people from different areas of the industry. One of the highlights was meeting Nora Diaz, an incredible freelancer and industry leader, who’s featured in the picture above.
Speaking of... Nora is hosting an amazing Bootcamp for Spanish >< English Translators in Cancun, Mexico from December 4-7 this year, and guess what? I’ll be attending! If you’re in the field and that is your language combination, this is definitely something you should consider. It’s a perfect blend of learning and relaxation, and I can’t wait to level up my skills while enjoying some sun and sand. You can find the link to the Bootcamp below:
Tip for Success: Have a short list of people or companies you want to connect with but also be open to those spontaneous encounters. You never know who you’ll meet while waiting for coffee (which, by the way, is prime networking real estate).
Attending the ATA Conference in LA was an adventure beyond just professional growth—it was a chance to explore a city that’s bursting with life! For the first time ever, I got to see the iconic Hollywood sign up close. Can you believe it?
One of my favorite nights was spent wandering around Beverly Hills, specifically on the famous Rodeo Drive—talk about living the glam life...
While I was soaking in all that LA has to offer, I discovered that it’s a major hub for the Mandarin language. My Airbnb host didn’t speak a word of English, so we had to get creative with Google Translate. Then, things got a bit dicey when I lost my purse with my passport and license during an Uber ride to the conference. Talk about a morning panic! Luckily, I was able to enlist the help of one of the Mandarin interpreters attending the conference. They spoke to the Uber driver on the phone and helped explain the situation, which really put into perspective how vital language is when you’re in a tight spot.
Oh, and as if my trip needed any more excitement, we unknowingly spotted Paris Hilton at The Grove—you know, just casually living the Hollywood dream... and I have proof! Can we say she photobombed me...? Anyways, what a time! These experiences made my trip unforgettable and reminded me just how powerful language can be in connecting us all.
The Learning Never Stops
One of the biggest perks of attending these conferences is how much you’ll learn. You could attend every webinar out there, but there’s something special about soaking in knowledge from the pros in real life. At every event, you’ll find workshops, sessions, and keynotes where industry leaders spill the tea on the latest trends, new tech, and best practices. And trust me, you want to be on top of these things.
At the ELIA event in Berlin, I attended a mind-blowing session on AI and its role in the future of language services, led by none other than Samuel Laubli, an industry leader in tech. I know, I know—AI can seem intimidating or even threatening to language professionals at first. But Samuel's talk completely shifted my perspective. Instead of seeing AI as a competitor, he showed us how we should embrace it, use it to our advantage, and let it complement the human touch we provide.
AI tools can streamline tasks like translation, transcription, and even interpreting prep work, leaving us more time to focus on the high-level, nuanced stuff that machines just can’t replicate (yet). I left the session with a new mindset—not only with ideas for integrating AI into my own workflow but also with renewed excitement about how I could offer even more to my clients by being ahead of the curve.
Time for Business, Time for Play
Conferences aren’t all business—there’s definitely time for fun! After a full day of learning and networking, the real magic often happens when the workday ends. At one event, we had a networking dinner that turned into an unexpected dance party once the food was done and the disco ball came out. Picture a room full of translators and interpreters, letting loose and dancing to classic hits all night! It was such a blast and a perfect reminder that while we’re there to grow professionally, there’s always room to have a little fun, too.
The Bonus Perks: Travel and Food (Yes, Please)
Now, let’s talk about my personal favorite part of attending international conferences—the travel! Attending an event in a different country is the perfect excuse to explore new places, experience new cultures, and—obviously—try new food. Conferences are like a double-win: professional growth during the day and cultural exploration during your free time.
When I attended the ELIA Networking Days in Berlin, I made sure to carve out time before and after the conference to explore Germany. During that time, I visited Museum Island. To my surprise, I found out the Pergamon Museum will be closed for the next 14 years—crazy, right? I also made a stop at the Bode Museum, where I couldn’t resist imitating one of its greatest exhibits—a dancer sculpture by Antonio Canova, created in Rome between 1809 and 1812. (Check out the picture below—don’t we look alike?!)
I also visited Stuttgart, which, I’ll admit, took me way too long to pronounce correctly! It’s the city where all the fancy cars come from—Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have big museums there. While in Stuttgart, I couldn’t resist checking out the Wilhelma Zoo, which also has stunning gardens.
From there, I ventured to the Black Forest, where I strolled along scenic forest paths, explored some ancient, breathtaking churches, and topped it all off with some amazing Mediterranean food. What a perfect blend of nature, culture, and flavors!
After all that museum-hopping and sightseeing, I had another memorable encounter—this time with a person, not a statue! At the LocWorld drinks event (yes, networking over drinks is a thing!), I had the pleasure of meeting another translator named Susana. But here’s the kicker—she’s the German version of me! How wild is that?
The picture below is extra special because of this sweet coincidence. Conferences aren’t just about sitting through sessions; they’re about making fun, unexpected connections. And even at local events, you can still shake things up by discovering local spots, grabbing food with new friends, and soaking in the city’s vibe.
Now, if you're thinking about dipping your toes into international conferences for the first time, let me put "Together" by ELIA on your radar. It's happening in beautiful Barcelona, Spain, and trust me, it's the perfect destination for first-timers. Between the rich, diverse culture and the drool-worthy food (paella, anyone?), you'll be living your best conference life! The event is all about bringing freelance language pros and language service companies together for meaningful discussions and growth. It's a great chance to build stronger relationships in the industry. Registration opens in early November 2024, so pack your bags and get ready to enjoy Barcelona!
Freelancer Life: Conferences Are Your Lifeline
Freelancers, I see you. We spend a lot of time working solo, so conferences are like a breath of fresh air. You get to meet other freelancers who are going through the same challenges (hello, chasing invoices!) and share tips, tricks, and even client leads. It’s also a great way to showcase your business and figure out new ways to market yourself. Think of it as a mini-bootcamp for your freelance business, with a side of community.
When I went to the ATA Conference, I was surprised by how many freelancers were there just like me—people juggling multiple clients, working odd hours, and still loving every minute of it. I left with new ideas on how to improve my own business and a much stronger sense of community.
Meeting Mireya Perez: The Voice Behind Brand the Interpreter
While at the ATA Conference, I had the incredible opportunity to meet Mireya Perez, the host of the podcast Brand the Interpreter. If you haven’t heard of it yet, you should definitely give it a listen!
🌐Website:
▶️YouTube:
🎙️🍏Apple podcast:
🎧Spotify:
It features inspiring interpreters from all over the world and really shines a light on just how important language providers are in every industry. I’ve tuned in a few times, and each episode leaves me feeling more inspired and proud to be in this field. Mireya’s passion for what we do is contagious, and her podcast is a must-listen for anyone in the language world!
Pack Your Bags (And Your Appetite)!
So, should you attend a conference? Absolutely. Whether it’s down the street or across the globe, conferences are the perfect way to grow your career, expand your network, and feed both your mind and your stomach. You’ll meet amazing people, learn valuable skills, and maybe even discover your new favorite dish along the way.
Oh, and here’s an unexpected pro tip: Bring a portable phone charger. You’ll be hopping between sessions, swapping contacts, and probably Googling the best local spots to eat. Trust me, you don’t want your phone dying at the wrong moment!
And if all else fails, just remember: smile, nod, and pretend you understood what they said—you’re a language professional, after all! But seriously, attending conferences like these is one of the best ways to grow, both in your career and as a person. You’ll leave with a full brain, a full belly (hopefully from some amazing local food), and a phone bursting with new contacts. So, get out there, make those connections, eat the waffles, and—most importantly—don’t forget that portable charger.
Now go conquer your next conference like the networking ninja you are! 🎉
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