Hello everybody! My name is Caterina and… I haven’t been to a translator conference for… 2 months.
“Hi Caterina, tell us your story”

How could this happen? How did I get addicted to translator conferences (fringe events included) and training events in general? I guess it all started when I started attending translators conferences and seminars in my field of expertise about 2 years ago.

I can think of at least 5 possible reasons why I got so addicted to them.
1. The learning itself
Attending seminars or other CPD events helps you acquire a deeper knowledge in your field of specialization. This will not only benefit the quality of your translation and interpreting services, but also increase your productivity, as you will spend less time looking up difficult terminology. Often you will also receive advice on business and practice and learn more about resources available for your area of specialization. How could I have resisted the temptation?

2. The Networking part
The learning part is awesome, but the coffee and lunch breaks can be even more exciting. At international translators conferences you might end up talking with some of the top influencers in our profession. You will finally get the chance to meet in person the colleagues you’ve only known through social media. And believe me, most of them are even nicer offline 😉

At local translator training events you will probably meet colleagues from your area, specializing in the same field. You might end up sharing glossaries and other resources, recommend each other to clients when you’re not available or even build a cooperation. And you will for sure exchange tips, tricks and ideas. Now honestly, how could I live without this?

3. Visibility and Recognition
Attending conferences and seminars will earn you respect and acceptance from the translators community, as you will stand out as a professional who’s eager to learn and improve the quality of his or her work.
Oh, and don’t forget to inform your clients that you’re attending a CPD event, if you get the chance. Maybe mention it casually in a phone call or in your e-mail auto-reply message. This will definitely set you apart as a dedicated professional.

4. That great feeling of euphoria…
Ok, this might sound a bit nerdy, but … when I’m at a translator event I can’t help feeling happy and excited all the time. Maybe it’s just because I drink more coffee and black tea than I’m used to. Or scientists might soon find out that when you learn new things or do something good for your career a cocktail of endorphins are released. Anyway all those impressions, inspiring ideas and tips as well as the new contacts make me feel happy and motivated. Well, at least, until the first symptoms of what is Post Conference Blues appear, but that’s another story.

5. The food is delicious most of the times
While the food, believe it or not, is not the main reason why I love to attend xl8rs events, I have more than once been impressed by the great selection of comfort food and beverages served at lunch breaks and fringe events. I will never forget the 7-8 types of cheese offered at IAPTI’s conference in Bordeaux (as to the wine.. I guess you can figure it out yourself) and the delicious snacks served during coffee breaks at DVÜD’s conference in Hamburg. And like most Italians I’m convinced that eating together helps building stronger relationships

All the points mentioned above also apply to events in other industries, which we may want to attend to meet clients and gain another perspective. Recently I attended a local social media marketing event organized by one of my potential clients and I could recognize most of the symptoms stated above. In February I’m attending a seminar on cyberlaw, organized by a law firm I’m targeting. Be sure I’ll keep you posted on this.

What about you? Are you also addicted to conferences? Share your story with us!