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Technological development, combined with more environmentally sustainable practices, has led to more and more events, both small and large, taking place remotely. As an increasing number of events offer the opportunity of remote participation, the need for remote simultaneous interpreting has also increased.

Simultaneous interpreting is an interpreting method in which the interpreter interprets into another language at the same time as the speaker is speaking. It is exactly this idea of everything happening at the same time that sets simultaneous interpreting apart from other forms of interpreting in which the speaker and the interpreter take turns speaking. Remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) also makes it possible to offer interpreting for virtual and hybrid events.

After reading this article, you will know what it takes to arrange simultaneous interpreting for an international virtual or hybrid event and why offering interpreting is an asset for both the company and the event participant.

Simultaneous interpreting at the Europe Forum

Delingua has been the interpreting partner of the Europe Forum for the past two years. This year, after last summer’s change of ownership, we provided simultaneous interpreting as part of the LanguageWire group. The event took place in Turku on 28–30 August 2024.

At an international event such as the Europe Forum, interpreting plays a key role, with topics such as politics, finance and science concerning people across geographical boundaries. All programme sections in Finnish and Swedish were interpreted simultaneously into English, which made it possible for a wider audience to participate in the EU discussion.

This year was exceptional at the Europe Forum as it was the first time interpreting took place completely remotely. The event was a hybrid event, which meant that participants could listen to simultaneous interpreting both on site with a mobile phone app and live online.

“Together with Rajupaja’s AV team and our partner Interprefy, we were able to achieve a technical solution that served the participants both remotely and on site,” says Anneli Waris, Interpreting Services Manager.

Organising simultaneous interpreting for a three-day event as large as the Europe Forum requires both technical and professional competence. A successful event is based on good preliminary work and close cooperation between the parties.

“It goes without saying that organising such a massive three-day event requires coordination with the customer and the technology partners, as well as insight into what is being done. By going through the details carefully, we can make sure that everyone knows what is happening and how it is done,” says Anneli.

Simultaneous interpreting can also be arranged remotely

The need for RSI has grown at a rapid rate in recent years. Technological development, combined with more environmentally sustainable practices, has led to more and more events, both small and large, taking place remotely – in practice, online.

Thanks to advanced technology, interpreting can be conveniently provided via an app that any participant can download to their phone free of charge. During hybrid events, participants can listen to interpreting either at the venue via a mobile phone app or as a live stream online. RSI can be arranged on various digital platforms, such as Teams or Zoom.

As an increasing number of events offer the possibility of remote participation, the need for remote simultaneous interpreting has also increased. So why not offer interpreting for your virtual event as well?

Interpreting benefits both the company and the participant

It is important to remember that good language skills are not always enough. At an international event, speeches and presentations may be superficially understood, but the nuances of the language, the deep meaning of the message or the quick speech of a native speaker, for example, might not be fully understood. It is clear that without professional interpreting, not all participants get the most out of the event. By offering interpreting in different languages, you not only create new business opportunities but also show that you take the audience’s multilingualism into account.

“Organising interpreting for your own event is a good way of making it clear that every participant matters to your company. Understanding and becoming understood creates added value and can, at best, contribute to an overall sense of belonging. When all the information has been shared and understood correctly, it is also possible to build a better vision of the future and the direction in which society is heading. Interpreting is a valuable tool – so make good use of it!” says Anneli.

Interpreting is a great asset for both the company and the event participant. Interpreting can be used both to boost business and improve the customer experience. By offering interpreting in different languages, you open doors to your global audience and enable participation across language boundaries. So, next time you are organising an event, consider the added value that interpreting could bring to both your company and your customers.

Would you like to reap the benefits of interpreting for your own event? Contact us – let’s find the best solution for your company!