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Berlin As Seen By A Translation Professional: ELIA ND 2024

04/10/2024

At the beginning of October, our very own Larisa, team leader at the agency, attended the ELIA Networking Days 2024 in Berlin. ELIA ND is an event dedicated to industry professionals, especially those who manage or work within an agency or Language Service Provider (LSP) or oversee processes in the field. The experience was invaluable; it was a blend of constructive discussions with colleagues worldwide and the exploration of vibrant Berlin.

ELIA Networking Days: Discussions With and For Professionals

The conference did not focus on individual linguists or translators but rather on professionals managing or working in LSPs, as well as the processes within these organizations. The event revolved around the exchange of ideas between CEOs, team leaders, and consultants from various fields, including marketing, sales, and operational processes. It was structured so that participants could learn from each other through group discussions.

One of the most interesting topics discussed was the expansion of services offered by LSPs. The central idea was how companies in the field can provide more than just simple translations, adding extra services that bring added value to clients. Each participant shared their ideas and experiences with the others, generating a collective reflection on how these companies can evolve.

Another key topic was how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into workflows. The discussions didn’t focus on fears around AI, but rather on how this technology can be used to improve processes, from automating certain tasks to managing large volumes of data and optimizing resources. The main idea was not to avoid AI but to see it as a tool that can support efficiency and business growth in this sector.

Trust was a recurring theme, an essential element in collaborating with clients and partners. Additionally, discussions addressed adapting to new market trends, with the emphasis more on how to adjust processes and strategies to better meet client needs rather than on the latest technological innovations.

Berlin City Treasure Hunt

Besides the work sessions and professional discussions, the organizers prepared a unique activity: The Berlin City Treasure Hunt! This treasure hunt took place on the second day of the conference and was organized by a local group. Participants were split into three groups, each group having to follow 10 clues that guided them from one location to another across the city’s tourist attractions.

This activity not only provided an opportunity to explore Berlin’s main tourist spots but also strengthened the bonds between participants, who had the chance to network in a more relaxed setting.

Larisa and her colleagues followed the route, visiting key landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, and other important sites. The groups also had the mission of taking creative photos along the way, with the team producing the most inventive images being recognized at the end. This combination of exploration and competition turned the activity into a fun and memorable experience.

A Reflection on the Future

ELIA Networking Days wasn’t about discovering the latest technological innovations but about adapting to industry changes and expanding services to better meet client demands. Discussions centred around the importance of process optimization, AI integration, and service portfolio diversification. For Larisa, the most important lesson was about trust—both in technology and in human relationships.

Berlin, with its rich history and dynamic energy, provided the perfect backdrop for these reflections. The City Treasure Hunt experience allowed participants to discover the city uniquely, combining sightseeing with networking opportunities.