Guide to Interpreters and Language Technology for Events

Go with a big translation service provider

There's really no way to scrimp here. Translators who can turn live speech into real-time, understandable translation charge plenty and get booked if there are several conferences at once in town.

I recommend: Start your search early by checking with vendors like VerbatimSolutions, MultiLingual Solutions, Lionbridge or ALS International.

Small event? Prices too high? Go direct

There are also many hundreds of local service providers. If you have trouble getting the attention of a large-scale provider, consider hiring a conference interpreter individually.

I recommend: It's best to make some calls to other events held in your area to find out which local provider is the best choice, although a database of individual interpreters is maintained by the International Association of Conference Translators.

You will need, of course, a lot of equipment to do this right

Interpreters talk loudly and move around a lot while keeping up with a live speaker. You'll need soundproof booths for them to sit in if the theater has no sound booth, and plenty of specialized audio equipment, like wireless listening devices for conference-goers.

I recommend: Lexicon Global sells and rents equipment, as well as providing conference interpretation, as do ProLingo, ProLexisUSA, International Conference Systems, and A Bridge Between Nations, which also provides this useful page on how to set up for a conference. The translators' assocation mentioned above offer this checklist on equipment, and who should know better, right?

Learn the industry before you hire

Need an interpreter in a medical setting? A legal setting? The skills are different and can change your choices.

I recommend: Read about the differences in this well-written FAQ by pro Gardenia Hung.

Consider investing in gear

If your company does roadshows or small roundtables, it could be cheaper to buy the equipment you'll need and just hire translators at each location.

I recommend: Some providers of high-end conference audio include Williams Sound, Yamaha, and Bose.