On 14-15 May 2026, ELIA’s Focus on Executives returned for its 10th edition, bringing language industry leaders to Chania, Crete, for two days of strategic dialogue, executive reflection, and high-level peer exchange. Designed exclusively for owners, CEOs, managing directors, and senior decision-makers, the event focused on one of the industry’s defining challenges: how to create, communicate, and defend value in an AI-shaped market.
“ELIA Focus on Execs is a one of a kind experience. The speeches and the people that we meet give us valuable insights for what is coming, what we need to take care of, what we need to highlight, and what we need to be careful of. It’s an amazing conference.” – Evelina Koutsikopoulou
Under this year’s theme, Inside Executive Decision-Making: Creating Value and Growth in an AI-Shaped Industry, the programme explored both sides of the executive equation: how buyers assess value today, and how LSP leaders position, communicate, and defend that value in increasingly complex markets.
Day one featured sessions led by Tommaso Rossi from Spotify, who explored When Localisation Works from a client-side perspective. Drawing on Spotify’s experience, discussions examined how localisation is evolving from a delivery function into a strategic business capability connected directly to growth, product strategy, user engagement, and market expansion. The sessions also reinforced that AI is no longer simply a technology conversation, but a strategic one centred on experimentation, integration, and long-term value creation.
Day two turned towards the psychology of executive influence with Alexander Freeland’s track, Influencing Value and Choice. Through practical discussions, role-based exercises, and an Executive World Café, participants explored how credibility, social proof, trust, and perceived risk shape decisions long before procurement or pricing discussions begin.
The event concluded with the panel discussion Clash of the Titans: Who Shapes the Decision—Seller or Buyer?, featuring both event speakers, along with Tayo Ademolu, CEO of Translayte, and Gerd Janiszewski, CEO & Owner of BoardXpert. The discussion emphasised that sustainable business relationships are built not through transactional negotiation, but through transparency, preparation, and shared long-term value.
Across two focused days, Focus on Executives 2026 explored what future-ready leadership looks like in an AI-shaped industry. The event consistently returned to one central idea: organisations that succeed will be those that combine technological adaptability with stronger relationships, clearer positioning, and a deeper understanding of client realities.
Beyond the sessions, the Welcome Dinner at the Thalassa Restaurant and Networking Dinner at Sapel Hall on the Agia Marina created opportunities for attendees to continue conversations in a more informal setting and strengthen relationships through candid discussion and shared experiences.
“Execs 2026 was such an eye-opener! I left the sessions feeling incredibly inspired and ready to rethink our strategy. A huge shoutout to Tomasso and Alexander for their amazing, high-value sessions. Thank you so much to everyone at ELIA for putting together such a wonderful event. See you next year!” – Cecilia Poratti
To everyone who joined us for #ELIAExecs 2026, thank you for making this milestone 10th edition such a memorable experience. A special thank you to our speakers, our programme committee Milena Spelta Parenti, Maii Abdel-Wahab and Diego Cresceri, and our Sponsors and Partners.
With Focus on Executives 2026 now concluded, the conversations started in Chania will continue well beyond the event itself, shaping future decisions, partnerships, and strategies. We now look forward to ELIA Networking Days 2026 in Seville, on October 1-2.
