ELIA Focus on Executives 2026: Reframing Value and Leadership in an AI-Shaped Industry

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June 1, 2026

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.

South Dakota’s New Interpreter Law Reshapes State Proceedings for Lakota Speakers

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June 1, 2026

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The South Dakota Board of Minerals and Environment conducts a hearing about a uranium exploration permit application on May 19, 2026, at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, South Dakota. (Photo by Meghan O’Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)

South Dakota’s new interpreter‑access law is already influencing state proceedings weeks before it formally takes effect, after a tense uranium‑drilling hearing exposed longstanding gaps in language support for Lakota speakers.

House Bill 1219, known as Helen’s Law, was passed in March and becomes effective July 1. It requires state agencies overseeing administrative contested cases to provide qualified interpreters or translators whenever a party or witness needs language assistance. Agencies must cover interpretation costs during hearings, and successful parties may recover translation expenses for documents or discovery.

The law was shaped in part by Lakota first‑language speakers involved in a contested permit application for uranium exploration in the southern Black Hills. The proposal, pending since 2024, has drawn opposition from residents concerned about groundwater contamination and the site’s proximity to Craven Canyon, an area with ancient petroglyphs and ongoing ceremonial use for indigenous communities.

Last year, project opponent Elizabeth Lone Eagle requested Lakota interpretation and identified several participants who rely on the language. An earlier ruling denied the request, but the Board of Minerals and Environment reversed course in March, citing the “spirit” of the new law even though it had not yet taken effect.

When the hearing opened May 18 in Hot Springs, no interpreter was present, despite agreeing to provide one. State officials said they struggled to secure interpreters without conflicts of interest or scheduling barriers. Opponents objected immediately, arguing that the absence of interpretation prevented meaningful participation for Lakota speakers.

By the second day, the state contracted two interpreters, including Oglala Sioux tribal member Alex White Plume. He said the state’s offered rate was inadequate but accepted the role because of the community need. Interpretation slowed the pace of testimony, but supporters of the law said access outweighed efficiency.

Tensions escalated when portions of the second day proceeded without interpretation. On the third day, Lone Eagle filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the state’s handling of interpretation denied due process to Lakota first‑language speakers. A federal judge declined to issue an emergency order halting the hearing, but the case remains active, and the board has postponed further proceedings.

As agencies prepare for the law’s July implementation, the uranium case has become an early test of how South Dakota will meet its new obligations, and how far the state must go to ensure Indigenous‑language speakers can fully participate in complex regulatory decisions.

Māori Recognized in King’s Birthday Honours 2026

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June 1, 2026

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The New Zealand Government has released its 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list, recognizing outstanding contributions across Māori development, community leadership, language revitalization, and cultural preservation.

Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua – Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

Māori recipients recognized in the King’s Birthday Honors 2026 reflect decades of leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening Māori communities, language, education, and governance, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.

“These recipients represent the strength of Māori leadership across many fields, including education, governance, language revitalization, and community development,” Mr Potaka says. “Their service reflects a deep commitment to whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Māori honored this year include Companions, Officers, and Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit whose mahi has made a lasting contribution to the country.

Emeritus Professor Pare Keiha – Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)

“Professor Pare Keiha has dedicated decades to advancing Māori education and leadership, helping shape pathways for Māori achievement within tertiary education and governance. His contribution to Māori development, language, and academic excellence has influenced generations of tauira, educators, and leaders across Aotearoa New Zealand.”

Rahera Shortland – Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)

“Rahera Shortland has played a significant role in the revitalization of te reo Māori through education, teaching, and community leadership over many decades. Her contribution through Te Ātaarangi and Māori language revitalization has strengthened intergenerational transmission of te reo Māori both here and internationally.”

Terry Nicholas – Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)

“Terry Nicholas has provided long-standing leadership within Murihiku, supporting Māori development, governance capability, and opportunities for future generations. His work has strengthened community wellbeing, regional development, and pathways for rangatahi leadership and participation.”

“While it is my privilege to acknowledge these recipients, they also represent the many Māori who quietly contribute every day to strengthening Aotearoa New Zealand and supporting future generations.”

About King’s Birthday Honours

The King’s Birthday Honours are one of New Zealand’s two annual honors lists, released each June to mark the monarch’s official birthday. They recognize individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the nation across fields such as language revitalization, education, public service, cultural preservation, science, and community leadership. Recipients are appointed to orders including CNZM, ONZM, and MNZM, reflecting varying levels of national service and impact. The list is issued by the New Zealand Government and formally conferred by the Governor‑General on behalf of the King, reinforcing the Crown’s role in acknowledging civic and cultural excellence.

Multicultural NSW CEO Joseph La Posta Departs After Almost a Decade of Service

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May 31, 2026

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The following is a statement from Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper:

Following almost a decade of service to Multicultural NSW, including seven and a half years as CEO and two years on the Multicultural NSW Advisory Board, Joseph La Posta will conclude with the agency to take up a new senior role in the NSW public service.

During his tenure, Joseph has made a significant contribution to the people and communities of NSW. Under his leadership, Multicultural NSW expanded its support for refugee settlement and community programs, while the agency’s Language Services Division grew from a bespoke team to a well-utilised statewide service.

At some of the most challenging moments in our state’s history, Joseph has been on the frontline leading our state’s multicultural communities.

He led our multicultural society throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring urgent health advice and business support was communicated to our multilingual communities.

He served as Coordinator General on the Bondi terror attack community response, working across government, non-government organisations, charities and the private sector to ensure those affected received the support they needed.

A respected leader, mentor and advocate for multicultural communities, Joseph has built strong relationships across government and the community sector, championing inclusion, social cohesion and stronger outcomes for culturally diverse communities across the state.

I want to thank Joseph for his leadership and lasting contribution to Multicultural NSW and the broader public sector.

His dedication and compassion have had a profound and lasting impact on communities across NSW, and he leaves Multicultural NSW stronger, more connected and well positioned for the future.

The following is a statement from Multicultural NSW Chief Executive Officer Joseph La Posta:

It has been an absolute privilege to serve the communities of NSW and to work alongside people from so many diverse backgrounds who make this state stronger, more vibrant and more connected.

I have also been fortunate to work with an extraordinary group of colleagues at Multicultural NSW. Their professionalism, care and commitment to the community inspires me every day.

I am deeply grateful for the broader network of public servants, Advisory Board members, Faith Affairs Council and community leaders across the sector who are dedicated to delivering better outcomes for the people of NSW.

The work of Multicultural NSW is ultimately about people, belonging and opportunity, and I leave incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve together.

Joseph will conclude with Multicultural NSW on Friday 5 June. In the interim, James Jegasothy will assume responsibility as the acting CEO of Multicultural NSW. James has been the acting CEO of Multicultural NSW while Joseph was in the Coordinator General role, during that time James provided confident, stable and respected leadership to our communities.

About Multicultural NSW

Multicultural NSW is New South Wales’ (NSW) lead agency for cultural inclusion, community harmony, and language services. With more than 40 years of experience, it delivers interpreting, translation, grants, and engagement programs that support social cohesion across one of Australia’s most diverse populations. The agency is headquartered in Parramatta, NSW.

HKMU Researchers Secure Over HK$3.4 Million to Develop First Cantonese Post-Drinking Speech Detection System

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May 31, 2026

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Two HKMU researchers present their findings on the creation of the Cantonese language model

A research team from Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) has secured over HK$3.4 million from the Smart Traffic Fund to develop the first Cantonese post-drinking speech database and build an artificial intelligence (AI)-based language detection system.

Leveraging a multimodal language model, the system will analyse multiple indicators, including speech rate, intonation stability, speech pauses and grammatical structure deviations, by comparing users’ language performance before and after alcohol consumption.

“The funding support for this research project by the Smart Traffic Fund, coupled with the active support from our industry partners, fully demonstrates HKMU’s unique strengths as a university of applied sciences,” said Prof. Ricky Kwok Yu-kwong, Vice President of Research and Institutional Advancement at HKMU. “We are committed to bridging academic research with societal needs. By developing practical solutions, we strive to drive industry advancement and tackle crucial social challenges, such as improving road safety.”

Previous studies focusing on European languages have found that alcohol consumption affects language processing in the brain, leading to disruptions in comprehension and language expression. These disruptions manifest themselves in specific linguistic features, such as frequent logical errors, abnormal speech rate and pauses, and unstable intonation. However, research on the effects of alcohol on Chinese languages remains scarce.

In light of this, Prof. Peppina Lee Po-lun, Associate Dean of the HKMU School of Education and Languages, commenced this two-year study. Preliminary findings show significant differences in participants’ speech, including pronunciation, speech rate and word choice, after alcohol consumption compared to their sober state.

The research team plans to collect over 1,000 minutes of Cantonese speech samples from approximately 100 participants aged 18 to 60 to establish a post-drinking speech database. This database will be used to train a multimodal AI language model that comprehensively analyses multiple indicators, including speech rate, intonation stability, speech pauses and grammatical structure deviations, to compare users’ language performance before and after alcohol consumption and assess the impact of alcohol on their cognitive and linguistic abilities. Upon completion, the project will establish a system prototype available via a mobile application, allowing users to conduct real-time self-assessments and monitor the effects of alcohol to determine their fitness to drive.

All tests in the project will be conducted under medical supervision. Participants must pass a health assessment by a registered doctor, and their alcohol consumption will be monitored by a registered nurse. The study will adopt a strict alcohol consumption standard, ensuring alcohol intake is below Hong Kong’s current legal limit for drink driving.

“The system being developed is a real-time self-monitoring tool that can serve as a supplementary aid to existing alcohol detection methods, such as breath or laboratory tests, rather than replacing statutory testing procedures,” explained Prof. Lee.

The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (Towngas) has signed a letter of support and will collaborate with the team to test the system. It expects to apply the system in routine pre-drive safety assessments in the future to improve fleet management efficiency.

Prof. Lee added that the relevant technology has the potential to be extended to other application scenarios, such as monitoring language abnormalities caused by medication or fatigue.

The collaborative team includes researchers from HKMU, City University of Hong Kong, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, and Guangzhou Overseas Chinese Hospital.

Translated CEO Marco Trombetti Awarded Italy’s Cavaliere del Lavoro, the Country’s Highest Honor for Business and Innovation

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May 29, 2026

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The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, has awarded Marco Trombetti, co-founder and CEO of Translated, Italy’s highest honor for merit in labor, business, and the economy: the title of Cavaliere del Lavoro (Knight of Labour). The distinction recognizes entrepreneurs whose work has generated economic value and made a meaningful contribution to the country’s productive system and society.

Each year, ahead of Republic Day, the Head of State appoints up to 25 Cavalieri del Lavoro, selecting entrepreneurs who have distinguished themselves through their contribution to Italy’s economic development. The honor is conferred through a highly selective process, requiring at least 20 years of leadership and a sustained contribution to the nation’s economic and social progress.

Together with co-founder Isabelle Andrieu, Trombetti has driven innovation and created global value since 1999. Guided by the mission of allowing everyone to understand and be understood in their own language, they have invested in technology to advance communication across languages, including pioneering work in artificial intelligence that has helped to position Translated at the forefront of language AI and its real-world applications.

“This recognition honors our journey and the vision behind it: building AI that amplifies human creativity and expertise,” said Marco Trombetti. “It belongs to everyone at Translated, whose talent, commitment, and dedication made this recognition possible. It belongs to my family, my friends, and our clients, who supported me through the most difficult moments and shared in the most rewarding ones.”

The honor also stands as a tribute to the translation industry as a whole, which enables individuals, businesses, and institutions to communicate across languages and cultures every day.

About Translated

Translated is a leading language services provider and pioneer in utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to assist professional translators. Founded in 1999 by linguist Isabelle Andrieu and computer scientist Marco Trombetti, its mission is to allow everyone to understand and be understood in their own language. Translated’s work is trusted by the some of the largest translation buyers in the world and has been recognized as leading in AI-powered translation technology by IDC Marketscape, CSA Research, and Gartner.

In 2024, Translated launched Lara, a breakthrough translation AI that outperforms leading machine translation and approaches the quality of top-tier professional translators. With Lara, Translated combines the sensitivity of over 500,000 native-speaking professional translators with the speed and capability of machines, making it possible to tackle localization projects once thought unimaginable. Today, Translated delivers fast, consistent, high-quality translations to over 300,000 customers in 200 languages and over 40 subject areas.

The Academy of Interpretation and De La Mora Institute of Interpretation Announce Partnership to Expand Interpreter Training Opportunities

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May 29, 2026

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Academy of Interpretation and De La Mora Institute of Interpretation group photo

The Academy of Interpretation (AOI) has announced a new partnership with De La Mora Institute of Interpretation aimed at expanding access to high-quality interpreter education and strengthening collaboration within the interpreter training industry.

Through this partnership, both organizations will host and promote each other’s courses on their respective platforms, allowing students from both communities to access a broader range o f interpreter training programs. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving interpreter education and supporting the continued professional development of interpreters across the country.

The interpreter training industry has seen rapid growth in recent years as demand for qualified interpreters increases across healthcare, legal, educational, and government sectors. Partnerships like this help ensure that interpreters have access to diverse training opportunities, specialized expertise, and flexible learning pathways that support their professional advancement.

“Collaboration is essential to strengthening the interpreter profession,” said Maria Teresa, Assistant Director of Education at the Academy of Interpretation. “By partnering with the De La Mora Institute of Interpretation, we are expanding the reach of both organizations’ educational offerings and helping interpreters access the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a variety of interpreting environments.”

Through this agreement, AOI students will gain access to courses developed by the De La Mora Institute, while De La Mora students will have the opportunity to enroll in AOI’s interpreter training programs through their platform. The partnership is designed to create a more interconnected learning ecosystem that benefits interpreters, educators, and the broader language services industry.

“We are excited to work alongside the Academy of Interpretation to broaden opportunities for interpreters seeking professional training,” said Claudia Eslava, Director of Operations at De La Mora Institute of Interpretation. “By sharing our course offerings and expertise, we can better serve interpreters and support the growing need for skilled professionals in the field.”

To start, the Academy of Interpretation will feature five courses from De La Mora with plans to add more training options throughout the year. These five courses include:

State Certification Written Exam Prep
Ethics: The Interpreter’s Conundrum
40 Hours Court Interpretation Training
Texas Court Interpreter Orientation
Community Interpreter Training

De La Mora will also feature the AOI’s entire training catalog.

This partnership highlights a growing trend within the interpreter education community: organizations working together to elevate training standards, increase accessibility, and strengthen the professional pipeline for future interpreters. Both training institutions look forward to continuing to develop new collaborative initiatives that support interpreters at every stage of their careers.

About the Academy of Interpretation

The Academy of Interpretation (AOI) provides professional medical interpreter training through self‑paced and workshop‑based courses, including its flagship 40‑hour program leading to Qualified Medical Interpreter (QMI) status. It partners with educators and organizations through affiliate and hosting programs, offering updated, expert‑developed content on a dedicated learning platform.

About De La Mora Institute of Interpretation

Based in Texas, DE LA MORA Institute of Interpretation provides professional interpreter training through courses, workshops, and resources designed to build real‑world skills for court, medical, and community settings. The institute offers expert‑developed curricula, practical tools, and ongoing professional development to support interpreters at every stage of their careers.

Ireland’s Cork County Council Launches Grant for Irish Language Events and Initiatives 2026

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May 28, 2026

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Cork County Community members participating in language event planning

Ireland’s Cork County Council has announced the launch of its fourth annual Irish Language Events and Initiatives Grant Scheme for 2026. The grant scheme was initially launched in 2023.

Cork County Council invites applications from organizations who are planning an initiative or event which is substantially or entirely in Irish. This can include bilingual events aimed at introducing the public to the Irish language in a comfortable way.

Events can be recurring or once off occurrences. The aim of the scheme is to provide financial aid for Irish language events, projects, or initiatives within the functional area of the County of Cork, which benefit the community and promote the language. Previous successful projects include Film Festivals, Community and family fun days and Festivals, Concerts, Dramas, Cultural nights, Irish Classes, Poetry events, singing events, historical talks, research projects, walking tours etc. The possibilities are endless. Permanent features such as signage or interpretive boards can also be considered.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the return of the scheme, saying, “It is great to see the return of this scheme. Cork County Council supports events through Irish in any way we can, whether it be through events we organize ourselves such as those organized for the annual Seachtain na Gaeilge celebration, or through supporting community led projects, any event which can successfully increase the use and visibility of Irish as a community language is something we can all be proud of supporting.”

“I encourage organizations throughout the county, who may be in the process of organizing events through Irish, to apply for this grant and to avail what supports are made available. Whether your organization is based within the Gaeltacht, or whether it is in another area of the county, or in a school, or anywhere that Irish is being spoken and used as an integral part of your event, it would certainly be worthwhile considering this grant.”

The maximum amount granted for any event is €1,500 under this scheme. Organizations may apply for more than one event within the application period, and these will be considered subject to availability of funding and the initiative meeting the grant criteria.

The scheme is open to applications until close of business on Friday, 26th June. Please apply through the Irish Language Office section of our website. For further information, or if you have any questions, please email gaeilge@corkcoco.ie.

Acclaro Launches Localization Orchestration to Meet Rising Demand for Global Multimedia Content

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May 28, 2026

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Acclaro, a leading provider of content intelligence solutions that helps brands communicate with purpose, precision and global impact, has announced the launch of Acclaro Multimedia Orchestration, a purpose-built, AI-powered solution set to transform how organizations localize and distribute multimedia content.

The multimedia localization market is projected to nearly double by 2035, growing from approximately $4 billion to nearly $7.5 billion, with industries including sports, news, live events, education, training and e-Learning, and worship, seeking scalable ways to reach global audiences via multiple channels including websites and social media.

Acclaro Multimedia Orchestration combines leading AI-powered technologies with the company’s human expertise in localization, translation, subtitling, dubbing, lip syncing, and voiceover. By integrating AI into Acclaro’s existing services, organizations can now localize multimedia more efficiently, and across a broader range of global distribution channels, making multilingual content delivery fast, accurate, and scalable.

The holistic solution supports every stage of multimedia globalization across video, audio, and image formats, for both pre‑recorded and live content. Flexible workflows range from fully human‑driven to fully AI‑automated, enabling organizations to tailor localization approaches to their quality, speed, and scale requirements.

Key features include:

Subtitling with AI-driven translation into 100+ target languages in real-time.
Dubbing, Voice Cloning and Audio Separation for multilingual audio content.
Voiceover from transcription to recording to quality assurance testing.
Lip Synching across multiple languages.
Video Personalization for end-to-end video production workflows, from ideation to distribution.
Creative Asset Localization enabling organizations to translate images and design files with AI-powered layout adaptation and collaboration tools.

With support for more than 100 language combinations, the solution delivers high accuracy even while maintaining synchronization with live video streams.

“Organizations today need more than fragmented AI tools to meet the growing demand for global multimedia, rather a single comprehensive and powerful solution that localizes content across every format, channel, and audience,” said Russell Haworth, CEO of Acclaro. “Acclaro Multimedia Orchestration localizes multimedia content with exceptional accuracy and scale, enabling an authentic connection with audiences while opening up new opportunities for growth, engagement, and revenue.”

Acclaro Multimedia Orchestration is available now. To learn more, please contact Acclaro at info@acclaro.com.

About Acclaro

Acclaro is a content intelligence solutions business, helping brands communicate with purpose, precision, and global impact. Its mission is to help organizations shape content that resonates with buyers anywhere, across every channel and market by combining AI’s power to operate at speed and scale with experts who understand nuance, intent, and business impact. Its solutions enable organizations to create, manage, optimize, and activate content with clarity, confidence, and measurable results for multilingual experiences that drive international success.