7 reasons to speak at the ITI Conference 2024

Have you been considering speaking at the next ITI Conference, but not quite convinced yourself to “go for it”? Here are 7 reasons to take the plunge and submit a proposal.

1. Sharing expertise

Speaking at a conference gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge, insights, and expertise with other professionals in the field, and you can contribute to the collective learning and advancement of translation and interpreting practices. Don’t assume that your peers know what you know. Something that may seem standard practice to you could be new and innovative to others.

2. Visibility and credibility

Presenting at a conference helps raise your professional profile and establish yourself as an expert in your field or a thought-leader in the profession. It showcases your skills, knowledge, and experience, which can enhance your credibility among peers, potential clients, and employers.

3. Personal and professional growth

Preparing and delivering a presentation at a conference requires research, organisation, and effective communication skills. By taking on this challenge, you will develop your public speaking abilities, gain confidence, and improve your presentation skills. It is also an opportunity to receive feedback and learn from other experts in the field.

4. Networking

The ITI Conference brings together professionals from all areas of translation and interpreting and from all around the world, including fellow speakers, attendees, and industry experts. Speaking at the conference allows you to connect with like-minded individuals, build relationships, and expand your professional network. These connections can lead to collaborations, job opportunities, or valuable mentorship in the future.

5. Keep up with industry trends

The ITI Conference features presentations on the latest developments, technologies, and best practices in translation and interpreting. By attending and speaking, you can stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and new practices. This knowledge can help keep ahead and adapt to the evolving demands of the profession.

6. Counts as Continuing Professional Development

You will learn so much about both your topic and yourself by speaking at a conference. Preparing for, speaking at and attending a conference all count towards your annual CPD target.

7. It’s not as daunting as you might imagine

Just because you're inexperienced in conference speaking, certainly doesn’t mean we don’t want to hear from you. New speakers have fresh perspectives and original insights we may not have heard before and we are here to help you every step of the way. If you want to discuss an idea before submitting a proposal, email us at [email protected] and we’ll put you in touch with one of the conference content team who will be happy to chat through your ideas with you. Then, if your proposal is accepted, we can provide you with a mentor to guide you through the process.

The ITI Conference is taking place in Edinburgh on 4-5 June 2024 and joining us there as a speaker will give you the opportunity to contribute to the profession, expand your network, enhance your professional standing, and stay updated on industry trends. It can be a rewarding experience both personally and professionally, so why not give it a go?