Until the COVID-19 pandemic, on-site interpreting was the gold standard for conferences. The pandemic led to rapid innovation and adoption of remote options out of necessity. Now, for many event organizers, the on-site option is no longer always the most practical.
What is Conference Interpreting?
Conference interpreters help people who speak different languages understand each other at professional events, international meetings, and specialized gatherings. Because these settings often involve complex topics and technical details, interpreters need strong language skills, deep knowledge of the subject matter, and extensive training in both simultaneous (real-time) and consecutive (after-the-speaker) interpretation techniques.
How Remote Simultaneous Interpreting Fits In
In remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI), interpreters use simultaneous interpreting to interpret in real-time but from a remote location. Think of it like the usual conference interpreting sessions you see, but with interpreters working through an online platform instead of in person.
This allows multilingual event hosts to offer effective communication without worrying about travel costs, shipping interpreter equipment, setting up physical booths, and environmental sustainability concerns.
This article explores how one of our partners, WSBI-ESBG, used RSI as a sustainable and cost-effective solution. It provides a compelling example of how large-scale events can run successfully without compromising quality.
Who is WSBI-ESBG?
The World Savings and Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) is one of the oldest and largest banking associations in existence. It represents and advocates for savings and retail banks in 76 countries worldwide. The institute works with global policymakers, focusing on financial inclusion, access to banking, international regulation, and sustainable development.
Its European-focused affiliate, the European Savings and Retail Banking Group (ESBG), primarily serves institutions at the European Union level. They coordinate with European-based banks to lobby for proportionate, SME-friendly policies, focusing on regulation and local community banking models.
A Closer Look at WSBI-ESBG’s International Event
The 27th WSBI World Congress brought together over 700 participants: global banking and finance leaders, policymakers, and other members. Over several days, 40 speakers from around the world were set to discuss how technology, responsible banking, and sustainable finance can reshape the industry.
Regional group gatherings, training sessions, study visits, and networking were also part of their calendar, allowing attendees to deliver valuable insights on trends, developments, and strategies within the banking industry.
The Challenge Faced by the 27th WSBI World Congress
Gathering more than 700 people together in one event to solve real-world financial problems and discuss banking needs sounds difficult enough as it is. Now imagine them speaking different languages.
According to Constantin Vicol, the organization’s Digital and Communications Advisor, clarity is an essential factor in this congress, as is ensuring that participants aren’t blocked by language barriers.
In cases like these, interpretation becomes an absolute necessity. Traditionally, an event of this scale would require human interpreters on-site, booths set up, and specialized equipment prepared. Instead, WSBI-ESBG opted for a remote-first approach with Boostlingo Events.
Find out how they achieved this by checking out the full case study.
RSI Made the WSBI-ESBG Event More Effective
WSBI-ESBG was able to eliminate travel, logistical, and equipment costs of onsite interpreting with the help of RSI. Here are some of the ways they did it:
No Interpretation Booths
Traditional booths are large, heavy, and take up space. They’re also very costly to rent and ship, especially if you require more than one. By opting for remote interpretation, WSBI-ESBG did away with transport costs with the added benefit of producing carbon emissions associated with shipping and setup crews.
No On-Site Interpreters
Transporting interpreters to the event adds significant expenses and emissions. With RSI, interpreters could join remotely through an online platform, removing the usual requirements that come with traditional, on-site interpreting.
No Interpreter Equipment
Preparing, powering, and distributing specialized headsets and other interpreting equipment requires significant time and extra logistical work. Boostlingo’s RSI solution enabled participants to access interpretation through its multilingual platform in a simple and less energy-intensive way.
Online Platform Rehearsals
Rehearsals between speakers and interpreters were conducted virtually. Thanks to Boostingo’s online platform, the need for physical presence was removed, allowing organizers to accommodate those with busier schedules easily.
Other Benefits from Remote Simultaneous Interpreting
Besides cost-effectiveness and sustainability, the use of remote simultaneous interpreting during the 27th WSBI-ESBG World Congress also produced additional benefits. Here are some of them:
Access in Five Languages
Attendees could select their preferred language channel and access audio, slides, and chats in English, French, Spanish, Italian, or German.
Better Interpreter Availability
Remote participation and Boostlingo’s diverse network widened the pool of available interpreters and reduced scheduling issues.
Improved Focus for Event Organizers
With fewer problems arising from logistics, WSBI-ESBG’s event team could focus on delivering a polished conference.
Boostlingo Events: A Proven Solution for Conference Interpreting
The 27th WSBI World Congress was successful partly due to Boostlingo Events’ support for remote simultaneous interpreting. This allowed professional interpreters to join online without needing to travel and incur additional logistics. In addition to interpreting, the Boostlingo platform also allowed simultaneous audio, slides, and chat in the attendees’ language of choice.
A flexible and simplified approach to tech support has also been prepared, allowing organizers and participants to reach out and ask for assistance through live chat or e-mail. Additionally, human interpreters can be supported by AI-powered features that allow participants to view or listen to multilingual captions and subtitles.
“The fact that you can upload your presentation, and everything is there in one single spot, is very useful. The interpreters are there. You can connect with them. They are super flexible in terms of responsiveness. A technician is available all the time. They respond to our emails, and you have a chat inside Boostlingo as well.”
– Constantin Vicol, Digital and Communications Advisor
Bring Accessibility and Sustainability to Your Next Event
Ready to reduce costs for your conference without compromising accessibility? Discover how Boostlingo’s remote simultaneous interpretation platform offers the technology you need to help host an inclusive and sustainable multilingual event.
If you’re interested in learning more about our other products, you can also request a demo from our team. We’ll be happy to show you what we can do!
