Conference interpreting for multilingual events
Experienced conference interpreters, interpreting equipment and on-site technical support, coordinated by a dedicated project manager from first enquiry to the closing session.
Conference interpreting calls for sustained concentration, solid subject knowledge and the ability to carry tone and nuance in real time, often across a full day of sessions. SILA Linguists® provides highly experienced conference interpreters for summits, conferences, general meetings, seminars and international delegations, working in simultaneous or consecutive mode depending on the format of each session.
In simultaneous mode the interpreter works from a soundproof booth and the audience listens through receivers and headsets, so presentations run without pauses. In consecutive mode the speaker pauses every few sentences and the interpreter renders that passage, which suits press conferences, formal speeches, Q&A sessions and smaller meetings.
For physical events we can supply the interpreting hardware and on-site technical support as a complete package. If some of your audience joins online, we can extend the same interpreting to them through a remote simultaneous interpreting platform.
Why choose SILA Linguists for conference
Simultaneous and consecutive
We recommend the right mode for each part of your programme, from keynote sessions to breakout groups and Q&A.
Interpreter teams
Simultaneous interpreters work in pairs and take turns so that accuracy holds through long sessions. Multi-language events are staffed with coordinated teams for each language.
Equipment and technicians
We supply interpreting booths, consoles, receivers and headsets where and when your event needs them, with on-site technical support, so your venue does not need its own system.
Dedicated project management
One project manager coordinates interpreters, equipment, schedules and briefing materials for the whole event.
Preparation and briefing
Interpreters study agendas, speaker notes, slides and glossaries in advance, so specialist terminology and names are rendered correctly.
Hybrid ready
In-person, hybrid and fully virtual formats can be combined, so remote attendees receive the same interpretation.
Conference interpreting by SILA Linguists® for international events in every sector
Conference interpreting is where language, logistics and technology meet, and SILA Linguists® manages all three. For an annual general meeting in financial services, a scientific congress in life sciences, an investor briefing in energy or a product launch in technology, we assemble a team of experienced conference interpreters, supply booths, consoles and receivers where needed, and assign a project manager who coordinates speakers, scripts and timings from the first enquiry to the closing session.
Interpreters work in simultaneous and remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) for plenaries and webinars, and in consecutive mode for press conferences, ceremonies and smaller sessions. Our conference teams also cover international delegations and consultations in the public sector and academic symposia in education. Conference languages we cover include French, German, Spanish, Arabic, Mandarin and Russian, and SILA Linguists® draws on more than 350 languages and dialects for events in the UK, North America, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. Before each event, interpreters receive speeches, slides and glossaries so that names, figures and technical terms come across precisely, and a technician stays with the equipment throughout the day.
Good events are prepared well before the doors open. We can provide document translation of agendas, slides and speeches, certified translation of contracts signed on the day, and transcription of the proceedings with time stamps, translated or subtitled for those who could not attend. Delegations travelling between sites can be accompanied by escort interpreters. Speakers' materials and discussions stay confidential, with NDAs for every interpreter and data handled under UK GDPR.
Step by step
Event brief
Tell us the dates, venue, languages, audience size, agenda and whether attendees will be in the room, online or both.
Plan and staffing
Your project manager recommends the interpreting mode for each session, assembles the interpreter teams and specifies the equipment.
Preparation
We collect presentations and terminology for the interpreters and arrange equipment set-up and sound checks with the venue.
Delivery on the day
Interpreters and technicians are on site for the event, with your project manager available to handle any changes to the programme.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between simultaneous and consecutive interpreting?
In simultaneous interpreting the interpreter speaks at almost the same time as the speaker, usually from a booth, and listeners use headsets. In consecutive interpreting the speaker pauses so the interpreter can render each passage, which roughly doubles the time a speech takes but needs no equipment.
Do you provide interpreting equipment?
Yes. We provide the interpreting hardware for on-site events, including booths, consoles, receivers and headsets, together with on-site technical support.
How far in advance should we book?
As early as you can. Conference interpreters with specialist subject knowledge are often booked well ahead, and early planning lets us align interpreter coverage with your agenda.
Why do simultaneous interpreters work in pairs?
Simultaneous interpreting is mentally demanding. Interpreters typically alternate every 20 to 30 minutes, and the partner supports with numbers, names and terminology while off-mic.
Tell us the language, the format and the date
Our bookings team will confirm the details with you and arrange the right linguist. Have the language (and dialect, if you know it), the type of assignment and the date ready.