Translation and Localization Conferences in 2024: The Complete List

2023 was a great year for translation and localization conferences, with a packed schedule of events that brought the greatest minds in the sector together. While online events have made remote participation easier than ever, there’s no substitute for attending a conference in person and being able to connect with your peers and industry leaders. 

In 2024, the translation and localization conference calendar is packed. This year, the rise of artificial intelligence and what it means for the industry is at the forefront of most agendas. If you want to stay ahead of the game, you’ll want to be first in line at these events. 

Still not finalized your calendar for the upcoming year? Below, we’ve picked out some of the best translation and localization conferences to look forward to in 2024. 

2024 translation and localization conferences: our top choices

Struggling to decide which translation and localization conference is the most relevant to your business? Below, we’ve picked out 6 of the best events you should consider looking into in 2024. 

ELIA Together 2024

When: 21-23 February 2024

Where: Riga, Latvia

The ELIA Together 2024 conference is the eighth edition of this popular event, bringing together freelance professionals with language and localization companies. This year, the theme will be “Perfect Harmony,” with a focus on how industry professionals can utilize emerging technologies and adapt to a rapidly changing market. More than 20 guest speakers have been assembled, including AI language solutions specialist Viveta Gene of Bureau Works. 

Expected to attract upwards of 250 attendees, it’s an ideal place to network. This event caters to everyone, whether they’re a relative rookie or an industry veteran. There’s also a job fair to look forward to. With the event venue being the Radisson Blu, affordable accommodation is available on-site. What’s more, the Latvian capital offers excellent transport links for attendees heading in from further afield.

GALA 2024 Valencia

When: 21-23 April 2024

Where: Valencia, Spain

GALA conferences have been going strong since 2009, with events hosted in cities throughout Europe, Central America, and the United States. This annual conference is intended to promote networking, learning, and strategic discussion regarding the localization and translation industry. In 2024, the GALA’s focus will be on AI and how it can be utilized for the benefit of localization. Although a full program has yet to be published, keynote speakers from 2023 included the founder and CEO of Translated, Marco Trombetti. 

With more than 500 people expected to attend, it’s an ideal destination for networking and there’s a real focus on collaboration here. Thanks to a hotel venue, you shouldn’t struggle to find available accommodation. What’s more, excellent public transport links make it easy for delegates from far and wide to attend.

LocWorld 51 Dublin

When: 5-7 June 2024

Where: Dublin, Ireland

Conceived as the Localization World Conference in 2003, before being rebranded as “LocWorld” in 2014, this event has been an industry staple for two decades. It remains incredibly popular with language professionals, translators, and content management experts from far and wide, and anyone is welcome to contribute as a guest speaker. 

In 2024, the event theme is “AI and Beyond,” so you can look forward to fascinating insights into artificial intelligence and its implications for the industry. There’s also plenty of scope for networking, with conference meetings making it possible to connect with industry leaders and potential colleagues. The Irish capital is playing host year, so you’ll find budget-friendly accommodation aplenty. Excellent transport links also make it a viable option for international visitors. 

BP24 Translation Conference

When: 22-24 April 2024

Where: Seville, Spain

Since 2014, the annual BP Translation Conference has brought together freelance translators, localization service providers, interpreters, and more. Offering a more hands-on approach than other events, you’ll find a host of interactive workshops and immersive sessions available here. Recent events have seen more than 300 industry professionals come together, with the BP Translation Conference fertile ground for networking. Today, experts from more than 70 countries can be found mingling at these events, while networking dinners cater to those looking to connect with like-minded professionals. 

There’s a varied slate of events to look forward to in 2024, with speakers representing some of the biggest names in localization and translation. Expect hot topics like how to implement AI tools and secure high-end clients in challenging times. Host city Seville has plenty of hotel accommodation, while San Pablo Airport welcomes international arrivals. 

Going Global Miami

When: 6-7 March 2024

Where: Miami, United States

Launched more than 20 years ago, Going Global now has 44 successful editions behind it. In 2024, Going Global will touch down on US soil for the first time. Around 25,000 people are expected to attend this major event that focuses on marketing and technology globalization strategies. 

While it’s not exclusively geared toward the translation and localization market, it’s still one of the best destinations for networking. At the Miami Beach Convention Center venue, you’ll find designated networking areas to mingle, with speed networking sessions available for those looking to make as many connections as possible. Keynote speakers this year include OneMeta CEO Saul Leal, along with top talent from the likes of Netflix and Tinder. Accommodation is readily available, while excellent transport links mean it couldn’t be any more accessible. 

ITI Conference 2024

When: 4-5 June 2024

Where: Edinburgh, UK

The ITI Conference brings together interpreters, translators, and technology experts for the largest event of its kind in the UK. Since 2009, this event has been held every two years and has proved popular with delegates from across the globe. In 2023, the theme is “New world, new work,” addressing radical changes in market demands and new challenges for translation and interpretation professionals. 

Despite being a hybrid event, the 2022 conference welcomed more than 250 industry experts to Brighton’s Grand Hotel, with a similar number joining online. This year, the crowdas will descend on the John McIntyre Conference Centre where 40 guest speakers will cover four different tracks under the key theme. Keynote speakers worth looking out for include Joanna Drugan, who will cover the history of training professional interpreters and translators from a Scottish perspective. 

All translation and localization industry events in 2024

How Do You Know Which Localization Conference is Right For You?

Not sure which conference to attend in 2024? Think about what your goals are. Are you looking for insights into AI and emerging technologies? Are you more focused on networking and career advancement? Answering questions like these will help you narrow down your search. Once you’ve brought things into focus, do some research. Who’s speaking at your shortlist of events? What do previous attendees have to say? If you don’t recognize a single keynote speaker and reviews are lukewarm, you might want to reconsider your options. 

A conference might seem perfect, but attending one isn’t always practical. If your budget won’t stretch or an impending deadline makes attendance impossible, it might be best to sideline an event in favor of another one. 

Benefits of attending a translation and localization event

Translation and localization conferences offer a rich pool of resources and knowledge for anyone working in the language industry. Are you a freelance translator going it alone? The right event can introduce you to lucrative networking opportunities and advance your career. Are you tasked with taking a brand into new markets? Conferences can provide you with all the resources you need for global expansion, ensuring your business is as competitive as possible. 

Access the best insights from industry leaders

At translation and localization conferences, freelancers can rub shoulders with veteran linguists, not to mention high-profile industry leaders. While many events are free to attend and can be accessed online, it’s worth paying a small fee to attend paid sessions. For a small premium, you can access insights and guidance from the best minds in the business. 

Even events that don’t perfectly align with your particular field are worth exploring. You might discover new ways of operating that can revolutionize your workflows. Alternatively, you may happen upon a corner of the industry you’ve never really considered before. 

Network with the best in the business

The internet has made networking easier than ever. However, nothing quite beats face-to-face interaction when networking. When you attend translation and localization conferences, you can strike up a dialogue with potential new clients, as well as nurture relationships with existing ones. 

Need to establish ties with fellow freelancers? Conference networking sessions allow you to reach out and forge connections with new colleagues so you can increase your output and share resources. 

Be among the first to learn about industry trends and the latest technology 

A quick look at the agendas of 2024 conference events reveals a key focus on AI technology and its implications for the translation and localization sector. If you want to remain competitive, you need to be on top of this and other emerging trends. 

Guest speakers can offer invaluable insights about how to utilize AI and other technologies to your advantage, rather than find yourself pushed out of a job because of them. However, this barely scratches the surface. You can pick up tips on how to sharpen your social media presence, make your marketing messages more effective, and streamline your workflows to increase productivity. 

Discover a new direction 

Feel like you’re stuck in a rut? Sometimes, linguists find that the career path they’ve chosen isn’t working out for them. However, this doesn’t mean you have to throw in the towel completely. A single afternoon at a localization and translation event will introduce you to a host of alternative career options within the industry. 

Making the Most of Your Conference Experience: An Essential Checklist 

To make the most of your time at a conference, create a schedule. Know exactly what’s happening, who’s involved, and where you need to be at what time. If timekeeping isn’t your strongpoint, set multiple reminders so you never miss a thing. Your schedule should also allow impromptu networking. 

It’s easy to feel like a kid in a candy store when at a localization conference. However, you need to focus on what’s most important to your goals. You won’t be able to experience it all, so prioritize those sessions that are most relevant to your career. 

Are you a notorious notetaker? It’s good to have a reference of events, but don’t spend all your time glued to a screen or putting pen to paper. When attending sessions, underline the most important takeaways and follow up with further reading. 

Another thing to remember is that conferences are more than just speaking events. Most will be hosting exhibitors showcasing new software and technology. Other events play host to industry job fairs. These can be just as rewarding as conference sessions, so set aside time to explore. 

Conference Etiquette: The Do’s and Don’ts When Networking

When attending a conference, it’s important to be authentic. Avoid being the kind of conference attendee who plays it cool and hands out their card at every opportunity. Engaging in a few meaningful conversations with the right people is far more valuable. However, remember that conversations go both ways. Leave plenty of time for the person you’re networking with to offer their two cents. Struggling with a wallflower? Ask open-ended questions to avoid one-word answers. 

Make the right first impression with a great introduction. Need to work on your personal sales pitch? Keep it short and sweet, letting people know who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart from the rest. Just make sure you don’t sound too rehearsed. Anything formulaic or aggressive is going to sour potential connections.

Many conferences have designated networking events like dinners and mixers you can attend. Interactions tend to be far more casual, making them perfect for those who struggle with sales patter. Make use of these opportunities. Engage with everyone, even if they don’t seem like an immediate match. Feel like a conversation is going nowhere? Make your excuses and depart politely. Feeling awkward? Rather than reach for your smartphone, bite the bullet and start making introductions instead. 

Successful networking is all about the follow up. Did you meet a potential employer? Connected with a prime candidate for a business partnership? Each avenue calls for a different plan of action. However, don’t get lost in all the excitement and forget about the existing network you’ve spent years nurturing. 

You can also leverage your social media accounts to your advantage while attending a conference. Engage your followers with dazzling insights from keynote speakers or photos from the event. It’s an easy way to increase your subscriber count, while using hashtags can help you connect and network with other attendees. 

Need help with localization and translation? 

No matter where you are in your career journey, translation and localization conferences are a rich resource for anyone working within this lucrative industry. Thinking about turning your brand into a global one? If international expansion is a priority for your business, you’ll need a reliable localization and translation partner. At BLEND, you’ll find all the resources you need to realize your goals. 

We work with thousands of professional linguists, with experts providing localization services in more than 120 languages. Interested in learning more? Get in touch today to see how BLEND can help you. 

Corinne Sharabi

Corinne is the Social Media and Content Lead at BLEND. She is dedicated to keeping global business professionals up to date on all things localization, translation, language and culture.

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