ELIA recently hosted its eighth (8th) edition of Focus on PM in the vibrant city of Bucharest, Romania. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Old Town and the main city attractions, the event took place at the Novotel Bucharest City Centre. Far more than just a gathering, this pioneering event not only equipped project managers with valuable insights but also positioned them and their companies for a competitive edge in the ever-evolving industry.

To kickstart the event, the Technology Day Pre-Conference was held on 29 November, providing project managers with a valuable opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions for their day-to-day work. Leading technology providers, Trados and XTRF, conducted four advanced training sessions on their project management tools, offering insights to better prepare project managers for the challenges of 2024.

The conference’s first full day on 30 November boasted industry experts addressing key aspects of project management. In the Opening Keynote, Madalina Uceanu questioned whether “reputation is overrated,” delving into the human side of executive recruitment, the impact of AI on jobs, and AI-driven roles.

Across the two days, participants enjoyed inspirational presentations, thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops, and invaluable networking opportunities. Conversations spanned productivity, the transformative influence of AI on business, and equipping attendees with insights to navigate the evolving landscape.

Closing the conference, Laszlo Varga unravelled the implications of the new AI paradigm for the language industry. Discussions ranged from expectations of incremental or radical changes to efficiencies and potential pitfalls while staying human.

Beyond the business focus, the event also emphasised building connections in a lively, engaging atmosphere. Attendees revelled in a networking dinner and karaoke night, a blend of singing, dancing, and flowing drinks in a festive venue.

And thanks to the efforts of the committee chair, Alina Birsan, ELIA’s Vice President, and the founding manager of the event’s local partner, AB Language Solutions, attendees got to experience an exclusive private tour of the Palace of Parliament on Romania’s National Day, which was a perfect way to end our FocusPM 2023 event.

That’s a wrap for ELIA 2023 events! Next up in February 2024, ELIA Together!