10 language service industry events to watch out for in the second half of 2023

We know how it feels to scroll through your LinkedIn feed from the office while your colleagues post about all the fun they had mixing and mingling at the latest industry conference.

Don’t end 2023 with FOMO.

As we venture into the latter half of the year, language service professionals have an exciting lineup of events to anticipate. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or an early career translator, we’ve collected a list of ten language service industry events that you won’t want to miss out on — so mark your calendars and get ready to finish the year out strong.

For a comprehensive calendar of language industry events, visit our regularly updated Events page and subscribe to our Weekly Digest to have new events delivered directly to your inbox.

The First International BLISS Conference

Date: Aug. 25-26
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
More info: congresso.bliss.org.br

When they first launched the Brazilian Language Industry Association (BLISS) in 2021, the association’s founders envisioned the organization “championing the language industry on a national and global scale.”

So this year, they’re expecting an international cohort of language industry professionals to join them in São Paulo for their very first conference. With a theme of “Joining Forces: Innovation, Strategy and Collaboration in the Language Sector,” the conference will feature networking opportunities and discussions on technological innovation in the industry.

TINA’s CLINT 2023

Dates: Sept. 1-2
Location: Córdoba, Argentina
More info: https://www.translatedinargentina.com/clint2023/

IV Latin American Congress of the Translation Industry on September 1st and 2nd, 2023, to be held in Córdoba, Argentina. Join companies, linguists, project managers, academics, students, and regional government officials.

The Association of Language Companies’ 21st Annual Summit

Dates: Sept. 20-22
Location: Portland, United States
More info: alcus.org

Hosted by the Association of Language Companies (ALC), this summit gathers language service professionals for presentations, panels, seminars, and networking — expect some fascinating discussions on topics like onboarding freelancers into your workforce and a keynote speech from author and former CEO Steve Leveen. This year, the summit is returning to the ALC’s hometown, Portland, Oregon, where it all began 21 years ago.

Going Global Los Angeles

Dates: Sept. 20-21
Location: Los Angeles, United States
More info: goinggloballive.com

Designed for business professionals seeking to expand into international markets, Going Global LA will feature 60 seminars, masterclasses, and networking opportunities to equip attendees with essential tools for global success. You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about topics like customs clearance and global e-commerce and learn from more than 150 exhibitors.

ELIA’s Networking Days 2023

Dates: Sept. 28-29
Location: Krakow, Poland
More info: https://elia-association.org/event/nd-2023/

Networking Days is the perfect opportunity for language industry professionals to come together, discuss key topics, and network with their peers. The revamped structure of ND offers a dynamic blend of Keynote presentations, engaging discussion groups, and a vibrant community, all geared towards fostering the sharing of valuable information and experiences amongst industry experts.

TAUS Annual Conference 2023

Dates: Oct. 4-6
Where: Salt Lake City, United States
More info: taus.net

Focused on the theme of “Change,” the TAUS Annual Conference aims to prepare companies for the ongoing revolution spurred by technological advancements like generative AI. And when it comes to change, the folks at TAUS put it best: “After an incubation period of a few years the full consequences of the large language models are now becoming apparent.”

This October, industry leaders and innovators will convene in Salt Lake City to discuss scaling up translation capabilities, changes in technology and tools, employment, business and pricing models, and services offered.

LocWorld Silicon Valley

Dates: Oct. 10-12
Where: San Jose, United States
More info: locworld.com

Since LocWorld’s inception in 2003, the conference has become a premier platform for discussions on translation, localization, and international business. This year is no exception.

LocWorld Silicon Valley’s tagline this year is “Learning from the Past: Planning for the Future,” Industry leaders gather to explore the latest trends in cross-cultural communication and share insights for navigating the global marketplace.

Meet Central Europe Conference 2023

Dates: Oct. 17-19
Location: Budapest, Hungary
More info: meetcentraleurope.com

Co-organized by the respective translation company associations of Hungary, Austria, Czechia, and Slovakia, this conference invites freelancers, project managers, and C-suite executives alike to Budapest for a week of networking and knowledge exchange. Featuring discussions on vendor management, translation quality management, and brand building (among many other topics), this conference is one you won’t want to miss.

American Translators Association 64th Annual Conference

Dates: Oct. 25-28
Location: Miami, United States
More Info: atanet.org

As the largest professional organization of its kind — with more than 6,000 members working in 160+ languages — it’s no surprise that the annual American Translators Association conference attracts a big crowd. This year, the association will host its 64th annual conference in Miami, with plenty of networking and education opportunities — not to mention distinguished speakers like Will Evans and Anne Crescini.

Nordic Translation Industry Forum 2023

Dates: Nov. 6-7 and Nov. 22-23
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
More Info: ntif.se

The Nordic Translation Industry Forum (NTIF) gathers language professionals and industry stakeholders to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the Nordic region. This year, the conference is taking place in Tallinn — the city that’s home to the most startups per capita in all of Europe.

AMTA Virtual 2023

Date: Nov. 8
Type: Virtual
Link: amtaweb.org

This virtual event is tailored specifically for machine translation professionals, researchers, technology providers, academia, and students. This year, the conference will focus on generative AI and the future of machine translation, so be prepared for fascinating conversations and papers on topics like ChatGPT and large language models. Plus, this event is totally virtual — no need to make travel arrangements for this one.

Going Global London

Dates: Nov. 22-23
Location: London, England
More Info: goinggloballive.co.uk

If you couldn’t make it to Going Global Los Angeles, then why not check out this conference across the pond? Like its LA counterpart, this event provides comprehensive support for businesses looking to grow internationally and trade overseas.

ELIA’s Focus on Project Management 2023

Dates: Nov. 30 – Dec. 1
Location: Bucharest, Romania
More Info: https://elia-association.org/our-events/

Join ELIA’s Focus on Project Management and unlock your project management potential! Our two-day event in Bucharest will equip you with practical skills, introduce you to new approaches, and help cultivate your mindset so that you can become an unstoppable force for your company.