Four ways to win at conferences
Hey Heroes!
Want to make the most of a translation conference? I returned from chairing the CTTIC conference feeling both exhausted and energized. After several months of online Zoom meetings, WhatsApp group messages and Byzantine email chains, it felt AMAZING to finally be in the same room with my fellow translators and interpreters. If you get the opportunity to attend a translation conference, do these four things:
1. Try to learn something new about each person.
The Council met for nine hours a day, sharing meals, rides and regional perspectives. That's a lot of face time for a group of introverts, lol! But we had some fascinating discussions. I learned that some of my peers are university instructors, two are competitive dancers, and others are authors! Our conversations sparked so many ideas for future collaboration.
2. Say "yes" to a new activity.
One night, a group of us went out for karaoke at the local Hungarian club. We're not sure what the regulars thought of us, but we were probably the most enthusiastic and multilingual group they'd seen in a while! It was SO MUCH FUN being able to let loose, sing at the top of our lungs in different languages, and see a whole 'nother side of the Council members.
3. Use your LinkedIn QR code if you don't have a business card handy.
This might be my favourite hack. The tried-and-true way is to collect a stack of business cards and then spend your airport layover sending connection requests to people you ran into in the coffee line. Do this instead. 1) Tap the search bar in your LinkedIn app. A tiny icon of a QR code will appear below it. 2) Tap the icon, and BAM! You have a profile code colleagues can scan and immediately connect with you. I save mine to my photos so I can pull it up anytime.
4. Stalk the guest list (and vendor hall).
Go through the list of participants and start connecting a few days before the conference. Solidify plans to meet up. If your wish-list agency or vendor will be present, note them on your map and head to their booth FIRST. Even better, tell them when you'll stop by. This way, you'll catch everyone on your must-see list and still have time for those magical, unplanned meetings that could pivot your career.
Will I see you in San Francisco? I'll be speaking on "Systems for Sustainable Freelancing" at the American Translators Association Conference. My session is October 31st at 1:30. Let me know if you'll be there, and I'd love to meet up!
To your success,
Catharine
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