Having worked in marketing for a language services tech company for over a year now, I felt I was overdue for a full immersion learning experience about this industry. The heart and soul of the language industry comes from its interpreters, translators, and linguists who have made careers out of connecting worlds and bridging communication gaps. I decided I’d dive headfirst by attending the American Translators Association conference in Portland, Oregon. The purpose of this conference is to bring together language professionals to enhance skills, share industry knowledge, and network.
I found that everyone I met had a unique journey that led them to the language profession. Some immigrated from other countries, one grew up with Deaf parents, and a few served as missionaries in remote areas. I was reminded of how deeply language services impact lives in often unseen ways, revealing the essential and versatile nature of the industry.
Standout Sessions
The President’s Panel was one of the sessions I was most excited for, and it didn’t disappoint. It covered important topics like working conditions, public perception, and—what resonated with me most—the human element in our increasingly tech-driven industry. The panelists spoke passionately about educating stakeholders on the essential role of trained interpreters and translators, particularly in high-stakes areas like legal and healthcare.
Helen Eby’s session on the specialized skills needed for translation versus interpretation also left a lasting impression. Helen explained that simply being bilingual isn’t enough for professional standards. A memorable analogy was shared: “Just because I can cook doesn’t mean I’m ready to be a chef.” As a newcomer to this conference, it was a powerful reminder of the expertise that sets language professionals apart.
Putting a Leash on AI
The conference buzzed with discussions on topics shaping our rapidly evolving industry. AI, naturally, was a key focus, with many attendees discussing its potential as both a disruptor and an enhancer. As a newcomer to these conversations, I was struck by the balanced perspective people held. AI isn’t here to take over but to complement human expertise. In one presentation surrounding human-led AI, there was a visual showing that we can either let AI put us on a leash or we can put AI on a leash and control the tech to our advantage. It’s clear that our industry values quality and human connection, which only professional linguists can bring, but we also need to figure out how AI can help with productivity and operational efficiencies.
We Need More Certified Interpreters
Another important topic was the need for certified interpreters in government and legal sectors. The demand for skilled interpreters is high, and quality is crucial, especially in legal and legislative spaces where outcomes can deeply impact lives. There is still work to be done to provide adequate training and resources, but I left hopeful after hearing about the advocacy work being done around the country to build language access plans and adhere to regulatory standards.
The Future of Language Services Beyond Localization
One of the more forward-looking sessions focused on the shift in our industry since 2016, with “peak localization” happening in 2019. This session opened my eyes to the changing nature of language services, moving away from per-word rates to new models that blend human and AI-driven services. There was a focus on large language models (LLMs) and their potential to generate market-specific content without even needing a source text—a concept that was mind-blowing to me. The speakers used another powerful analogy: “just like a pilot uses autopilot but remains in control, human-centered AI should support, not replace, the linguist.”
Connections and Takeaways for the Future
Beyond the sessions, some of the most valuable moments came from connecting with partners and industry veterans. Conversations often circled around trends like American Sign Language (ASL) and the increased demand for rare language services. Learning from those who’ve shaped the industry was both humbling and inspiring.
A recurring theme throughout the conference was advocacy—ensuring our industry receives the recognition, funding, and support it deserves. I left feeling that in a world increasingly shaped by technology, it’s our responsibility to uphold the human element in language services. Certified, skilled professionals are irreplaceable, and AI is a tool that should elevate, not replace their work. I’m grateful that we keep this top of mind at Boostlingo with the work we are doing building Boostlingo AI Pro, Katharine Allen’s involvement with the Safe-AI Taskforce, and the content we create, such as the “When to Use AI” eBook.
Boostlingo’s Role in an Evolving Industry
My experience at the ATA conference was rewarding and reinvigorated me in my passion for this industry. It strengthened my belief in Boostlingo’s mission to support interpreters and translators as they navigate challenges and exciting possibilities with technology. Being part of this dynamic industry is inspiring, and I look forward to helping alongside it, driven by the insights and connections from this unforgettable first experience at ATA.
