In the planning stage, ask the participants at your event whether they will require interpretation. If so, the next step is to determine the languages that are needed. If the event involves a small number of people who can be seated at a single table (up to 10 people), whispered interpreting is suitable. However, if more than half of those in attendance required translation and the event format so allows, consecutive interpreting can be used. In this case, please be aware that the event will last twice as long. If the event schedule is dense enough or translation into several languages is required, simultaneous interpreting is the optimum solution. There should be a booth for each language. The audience for simultaneous interpreting is quite unlimited – you just need to know the number of headphones required.

Interpreters have to prepare for events as much as participants and presenters. The quality of interpretation is directly dependent on how much the interpreter can prepare. Time is important. First, it is wise to order an interpreting service as soon as you find out you need it – preferably two weeks before the event. This gives more assurance that the interpreter who is most up to date with the topic can make it to your event on the right day. After ordering, it’s advisable to follow up by sending, as quickly as possible, information about the event along with materials that will be used in presentations. This leaves less to chance, as the interpreter will be able to familiarise him/herself with the terminology used by the participants at the event. That is the most important thing at professional events where specialised terminology is used. Keep in mind that two interpreters need to be booked for longer events, which will affect the price.

The best work is done when the person doing the work has enough time. If you do have time, ask the translator how fast they are able to translate the text. If you’re on a tight schedule, on the other hand, let us know early on and set a deadline. Then the translator will be able to make suitable arrangements to be able to perform the faster translations first.

Sometimes, the translator has already finished their translation but you need to make changes. In such a case, please be aware that we treat the changes as a new order.

You can translate a proverb like 'a stitch in time saves nine' word for word, but it doesn’t mean that this is how the proverb is worded in all languages. While a translation is an exact copy of the phrase in a given language, localisation means finding a phrase that may employ different words but retains the idea and context of the original.