In-person conferences and events are back in full force, and remote conferences have also gained popularity. With such a profoundly globalized world, access for multilingual participants is more critical than ever. Whether it’s legally required or not, organizers should be considering interpretation services like conference interpreting, event interpretation, simultaneous interpretation, and more. Here are the answers to common questions about conference interpreting, especially how AI interpreting may help to enhance it.

1. What is conference interpreting?

Conference interpreting is verbal, real-time translation for multilingual participants during live conferences and events. Especially post-pandemic, it could be for remote or in-person events. It could also be performed remotely and in person, regardless of whether the event is one or the other. Conference interpretation is critical because it increases the audience a conference will reach, as well as the depth and breadth of material. Having more participants and speakers with varied life and professional experiences elevates the discourse of any conference or event.

2. What interpreting services do people need for different events?

Depending on whether an event is remote or in-person, formal or informal, it could require these conference interpreting services:

• Simultaneous interpreting: The interpreter translates in real time, as the speaker is talking. This service is often used for more formal, serious events.
• Consecutive interpreting: The interpreter waits for the speaker to pause before translating. This style works for more informal events.
• AI interpreting: It can supplement for rare or indigenous languages. (This type of interpreting is still developing, so it’s less widely used and not ideal for complex material requiring deep education or field experience/knowledge.) AI interpreting can also be deployed in concert with human interpreters, offering live multilingual captioning that audience members access via mobile apps, additional screens, the digital event platform they’re using, etc. AI tools are also being created to assist human interpreters with real-time glossary suggestions and speech-to-text support.

3. Why do I need professional event interpreters?

There are three main reasons to use professional conference interpreters instead of bilingual nonprofessionals.

1. Professionalism: They are trained and experienced in how to perform, concentrate, and behave at conferences and events. A bilingual layman often isn’t.
2. Language proficiency: They are native-level speakers of a target language and can quickly handle any words, whether idiomatic, formal, or industry-specific.
3. Familiarity with content: They deeply understand the material that will be covered at a conference and frequently have a higher degree or professional experience related to this material. They easily use the terminology required in multiple languages.

4. How Much Does Event Interpreting Cost?

Costs for event and conference interpretation will vary based on a few factors:

• Type of interpreting required (AI, simultaneous, consecutive)
• Languages required (rarer ones may cost more)
• Location (especially if interpreters must travel to the conference in person)
• Required experience or education level for the interpreter (i.e., if they must understand rocket science)

5. Can We Use AI in Conference Interpreting?

Yes, AI can be applied to many conference interpreting solutions. It can offer a few benefits, including:

• Offering remote interpreting solutions
• Providing multilingual captioning
• Cutting costs
• Supporting rare or indigenous languages (especially when human interpreters aren’t available)
• Assisting interpreters via real-time glossary suggestions and speech-to-text support
• Improving sound quality of interpretation over headphones
• Connecting interpreters and participants via apps and platforms

6. Is Event Interpreting Ever Legally Required?

Event interpreting isn’t always legally required, but in some cases, it may be because of local or national laws and regulations related to accessibility, language rights, and anti-discrimination. Consult these relevant laws and regulations before planning an event.

7. Will We Need to Rent Equipment for Conference Interpreting?

This depends on the solution your language solutions integrator offers. Especially for in-person events, the following pieces of equipment are common:

• Specialized headsets 
• Microphones 
• Soundproof booths 
• Transmitter and receiver systems 

8. Do We Need Event Translation, Too?

Not every event uses event translation services, but it may be vital if you’re communicating with multilingual participants. In addition to conference interpreting, they may need to see in their native language:

• Programs
• Schedules
• Website material
• Recaps
• Invitations
• Other promotional materials

Get in touch.

Ready to explore event interpretation? Maybe with AI interpreting solutions? We’re language solutions integrators who customize industry-leading interpretation services for every scenario and budget. Let’s get in touch.