Why You Need Interpreters at Your Conferences & Trade Shows
Dear conference and trade show organizers…please hire interpreters!
International trade shows and conferences serve as vital platforms for networking, knowledge exchange, and business growth. They bring professionals from diverse industries together so they can foster collaboration and innovation.
However, to truly maximize their potential, these events must be accessible to all attendees.
Too often, I have seen deaf individuals either left out of the networking because they didn’t bring an interpreter, or expected to hire an interpreter themselves for the event. Which makes it more difficult for them to be part of the conversation!
And if there is an interpreter at the event, they are only there for one presentation or workshop. This only addresses the surface level of the conference experience. The true value of tradeshows and conferences is the networking opportunities and informal interactions.
If your deaf attendees don’t have an interpreter available in these moments, they simply can’t participate.
How To Adjust
When I bring this topic up, some event organizers worry about the cost of having a full time interpreter to accompany their deaf attendees and provide interpreters for the various workshops.
As an deaf individual myself, I can tell you I would much rather have a cheaper solution like Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) or captioning available for workshops and reserve in-person interpreters for networking events.
These cheaper interpreting services offer me just as much comprehension during the workshops, and allow me to have an in-person interpreter accompany me during the trickier social events.
When event organizers take this approach, it means deaf individuals can fully participate in the most crucial aspects of the conference.
Keep Trust In Mind
Ask your deaf attendees if there is an interpreter they prefer you hire for the event.
I know this sounds tricky, but think about the trade secrets and strategies you might share at such an event? Networking often involves sharing trade secrets, brainstorming new ideas, and discussing sensitive information. All individuals, hearing and deaf, need to be careful who we trust this information to!
Often, deaf individuals have built relationships with interpreters, and if your event is located in their city, they might have a preference on who is interpreting for them. Accommodating this is highly meaningful for the deaf individual attending your event! That way they can trust the interpreter to handle this information with confidentiality.
It also helps you as the event organizer when finding interpreters for your deaf attendees. If you ask them who they prefer to bring, it takes finding a reputable interpreter off your plate and creates a better experience for the deaf individual.
Which is a win for both parties!
Enhancing the Trade Show Experience
Trade shows are often about exploring new technologies, gadgets, and innovations, where direct interaction with vendors is key.
Having interpreters available allows deaf attendees to ask questions, engage with exhibitors, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.
For me, interpreters at trade shows create a more engaging and inclusive environment.
They facilitate spontaneous interactions, and help me network and exchange ideas with vendors and other attendees. This level of accessibility turns a potentially isolating experience into an enriching one, where I can participate on equal footing with my peers.
Now, unlike conferences, trade show organizers often don’t have the ability to know if a deaf individual is coming until they arrive. Because of this, I recommend having 3-5 interpreters on standby who are ready to translate should the need arise.
Including a simple question like, “Do you need an interpreter for this event?” when they buy a ticket, will allow the deaf individual to express their needs, and create a lasting impression for them if you can accommodate them.
Inclusivity Is Key
To truly create inclusive events, event organizers should look beyond the surface level needs and address the subsurface goals of networking and informal interactions.
By providing comprehensive interpreting services and proactively planning for the needs of all attendees, organizers can foster an environment where everyone can participate, connect, and thrive!
Need Interpreting?
Hands Up Communications can help. Our interpreters are highly experienced and ready to bridge the gap of communication for you. If you need interpreting services we provide both remote and onsite options.
Our goal is to help you effectively communicate with the world! Schedule here.