LEO’s 10th International Virtual Conference in early December brought together hundreds of interpreters, translators, language companies, hospital and school districts’ staff, and other language professionals to reflect, connect, and prepare for the future of our evolving industry. From AI advancements to ethics, business skills, pushing one’s performance, and preserving one’s well-being, LEO10 offered attendees a space to grow while celebrating the unique strengths of human expertise. LEO10 was a refreshing mix of practical learning, honest discussions, and renewed motivation. 

Haitian-Creole and French interpreter Constance Leys perfectly captured the essence of the event: “The sessions tackled so many critical topics, from how AI is transforming our industry to the importance of accessible communication, ethical practices, and balancing our well-being. I especially loved the focus on the irreplaceable value of human expertise and the need to adapt and innovate while protecting the integrity of our work. 

Another key takeaway for me was the importance of mastering our meta-language — claiming our seat at the table and ensuring clients understand that true accuracy and quality can only come from skilled, qualified human professionals. I also picked up great tips on running a more efficient business, optimizing mental performance, and professionalizing my craft to meet the challenges of the future.” 

Sessions Highlights

Our signature panel, What the Future Holds, with Rosanna Balistreri, Jay Marciano, and Geoff Koby, explored the role of AI. One metaphor stuck with us all: interpreters as surfers riding the waves of innovation, not merely watching from the shore.

Professionalize Your Practice was a session for freelance interpreters, translators, and aspiring entrepreneurs. With her clear, engaging delivery and practical insights, Valeria Delmar provided a step-by-step guide on how to establish and elevate a language services business. From Zoom backgrounds and fonts to letterheads and logos, she demonstrated how even seemingly “superficial” elements play a critical role in presenting a cohesive, professional image to clients. Her message was clear: “People do business with people they know, like, and trust.”  

Bruce Adelson offered a clear understanding of the legal landscape surrounding accessibility compliance for businesses in the language industry. His insights into federal and state laws, such as the ADA, Section 508, and evolving web accessibility regulations, offered a timely and necessary reality check.

The next presentation by Gosia Wheeler also focused on accessible digital communication and collaboration. A masterclass in inclusivity, it was packed with practical insights and actionable strategies to ensure that everyone has a seat at the digital table. Her calm and engaging delivery made a complex topic approachable. One of the most impactful takeaways was the reminder that some disabilities are invisible, and that accessibility isn’t just about compliance, but about creating an environment where everyone can participate fully.

The Balancing the Scale panel with Jorge Mejia, Mad Haddad, Javier Castillo, and Cynthia Navarro brought much-needed focus to the well-being, addressing the personal and professional challenges many of us face daily. Each panelist shared unique insights and experiences, creating a conversation that felt inclusive, authentic, and inspiring.

Another LEO conference staple, the Legal panel featuring Bruce Adelson and Carla Fogaren exploredcompliance and equity. Attendees praised the panel for its real-world insights and the ability to address complex legal and ethical issues with clarity and energy.

Francesca Manicardi delivered a practical and insightful session on transitioning to a paperless workflow while maintaining efficiency and organization. Her step-by-step approach reassured attendees that going paperless does not need to be overwhelming and can lead to significant time savings and fewer headaches. 

Gulnara Shigabutdinova’s session was a refreshing exploration of how interpreters can optimize their memory, cognition, and mental processing to overcome challenges and perform at their best. Her thoughtful and engaging delivery resonated deeply with attendees, offering practical tools, relatable anecdotes, and strategies for managing common cognitive hurdles. 

The Ethics panel with Janis Palma, Shawn Norris, Mireya Perez and Natalya Mytareva tackled tough questions with clarity and passion, reminding us of our core role: accuracy and neutrality. 

The main conference program wrapped up with Eliana Lobo’s masterclass on mental agility and professional growth, which offered actionable techniques to enhance short- and long-term memory, manage stress, and boost focus during interpreter assignments. Her interactive approach made the session both practical and enjoyable.