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ITI Conference 2015

Louise Killeen TranslationsThe Institute of Translation and Intepreting’s biennial conference is one of the highlights in the translation industry’s calendar, and team member Siobhan Gorrie travelled to Newcastle on 25th April to attend a day in the event’s comprehensive programme of presentations, panel discussions and workshops. With over 300 delegates present and a packed agenda, there were plenty of opportunities for networking and finding out about the latest industry developments.

Focal points on the day included business skills, budgeting and how translation as a commodity – as well as the translation industry’s profile – can be sold to companies and the wider public. Reflecting the ITI’s broad profile of members, advice and information ranged from small-scale steps that translators can take to obtain new business to a wider vision of the translation industry’s future – how to promote the highly skilled nature of the industry and encourage today’s school pupils to become tomorrow’s translators and interpreters.

A key message put forward in a panel discussion including industry expert Doug Lawrence and ITI Chairman Iwan Davies was that the translation business needs to become an open network of professionals, with more transparent discussions on subjects such as rates. Meanwhile, a talk on quality control by Siegfried Armbruster of GxP Language Services emphasised the importance of translators working as a team and strengthening every link in the chain to create excellent translation products. It was heartening to hear that practices already in place at LK Translations, such as checklists and strict procedures, are considered good practice in quality assurance contexts.

During coffee breaks and lunch, there was also the chance to catch up with industry colleagues and meet some customers who were in attendance, some of whom had travelled from Germany for the event. Building on these contacts and the advice received from an inspiring event, LK Translations is now aiming to raise its profile further and take even more steps to assure the quality of its product.