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Conference & Event Interpreting Services

Make your conference, meeting, or event accessible to every attendee, regardless of the language they speak. Rapport International provides professional conference and event interpreters for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. For presentations and larger audiences, interpreters typically use simultaneous interpreting—delivering the speaker’s message in another language in real time, without interrupting the presentation. We can help you determine the right interpreters, languages, and interpreting setup for your event.

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Simultaneous interpreting

Real-Time Interpretation

In-Person or Virtual Formats

Trained, Professional interpreters

Interpreters eliminate language barriers to invite open, spontaneous communication.

Imagine a United Nations conference: speakers from various countries take the stage and for each one, simultaneous (or “conference”) interpreters relay the message to each audience member in real-time, via headset, in one of the six official languages of the UN. Unlike consecutive interpreting, where the interpreter listens, memorizes, and takes notes, relaying the message when the speaker pauses, simultaneous interpreting means the speaker does not pause for the interpreter. Used mainly for group presentations (like those at the UN), meetings, conferences, conventions, webinars, and events, there is extreme pressure on simultaneous interpreters because they must deliver an accurate message as quickly as it can be formulated, while comprehending the ongoing dialogue. Whether your event is in-person or online, performance standards generally call for two interpreters per language to mitigate fatigue.

With your big event on the horizon, how do you find a dependable, high-quality interpreting service that will meet your budget and timeline requirements? What should you look for – and what questions should you ask – to find a reliable interpreter, or several interpreters for multiple languages, that you can trust to relay your message accurately?

Look for a full-service language services provider you can call a partner, one that maintains a group of interpreters with staying power. High retention rates point to lasting client relationships, ongoing training and development opportunities, and an established, organized process for every occasion. Talk to us at Rapport International, an agency with proven experience, to save time, avoid missteps, and honor your audience.

We walk you through the requirements and handle the details to make your event a success.

Specialized equipment requirements for in-person events depend on the event layout and venue; an experienced interpreting agency like Rapport International can predict and avoid potential issues. For example, in a large conference room the interpreter may sit in a soundproof booth, watching the speaker and conveying the interpretation into a microphone, which the audience hears via headphones. In a smaller venue without room for a booth, the interpreter may sit in another room and watch the speaker on video.

For virtual meetings and events, requirements are often as simple as standard office equipment and a virtual meeting platform like Zoom.

Our simultaneous interpreters have supported myriad types of gatherings, for organizations large and small, and our project managers work with you to determine what tools and arrangements will work best for your event.

Speak to an Expert

Experienced simultaneous interpreters for your events.

For multilingual meetings and events like training sessions, conferences, and global presentations we match you with industry-experienced interpreters that have been vetted through our hiring and certification process, and we maintain interpreter-client relationships for regular or repeat events. Our team can accommodate logistically complex events, both in-person and online, and has experience presenting confidential, sensitive, or industry-specific topics. We pay attention to the details to avoid day-of event issues and concerns, so you can pay attention to your participants.

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FAQs

How does simultaneous interpreting work at a conference or event?

During simultaneous interpreting, the interpreter listens to the speaker and interprets the message into another language almost immediately, without requiring the speaker to pause. Attendees listen to the interpreted audio through headsets, receivers, an event platform, or another audio channel. This allows presentations to continue naturally while multilingual attendees follow along.

Do I need simultaneous interpreting for my event?
Simultaneous interpreting is often the best choice for conferences, presentations, webinars, panels, and large meetings where stopping after each speaker to interpret would disrupt the event. Smaller meetings or interactive conversations may be better suited to consecutive interpreting. Rapport International can help determine the appropriate interpreting method based on your event format and audience.
How many interpreters do I need for a conference?

The number of interpreters depends on the event length, number of languages, schedule, subject matter, and interpreting method. Simultaneous interpreting is cognitively demanding, so longer sessions may require interpreters to work in teams and alternate throughout the event. Events with multiple target languages may also require separate interpreters or interpreter teams for each language.

 

Can you provide interpreters for multiple languages at the same event?

Yes. Multilingual conferences and events can provide separate interpreting channels for different languages, allowing attendees to select the language they need. Planning ahead is especially important for events requiring multiple languages so the appropriate interpreters, technology, and logistics can be coordinated.

Can conference interpreters work at virtual and hybrid events?

Yes. Conference and event interpreting can be provided for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Remote simultaneous interpreting allows interpreters to work through compatible event technology while attendees access interpreted audio remotely. Hybrid events may combine onsite and remote interpreting depending on the audience and event setup.

What interpreting equipment is needed for an in-person event?

Equipment requirements depend on the venue, audience size, number of languages, and event format. A simultaneous interpreting setup may include interpreter booths or workstations, microphones, transmitters, receivers, and attendee headsets. Smaller events may require a simpler setup. Determining these requirements early helps ensure attendees can hear the interpretation clearly.

What information should I provide when requesting conference interpreters?

Provide the event date and location, schedule, expected audience size, languages needed, event format, subject matter, and whether the event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid. Agendas, presentations, speaker notes, glossaries, and other reference materials can also help interpreters prepare for terminology and subject matter before the event.

How far in advance should I book interpreters for a conference or event?

Book conference interpreters as early as possible, particularly for large events, specialized subject matter, multiple languages, or simultaneous interpreting. Advance planning provides more time to identify appropriately experienced interpreters and coordinate schedules, technology, equipment, and venue requirements.

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Everything You Need to Know

Dive into the world of interpreting services with our comprehensive guide. Find detailed descriptions of the various types of interpretation – consecutive, simultaneous, video remote, and telephone – and the best practices for working with each type of interpreter.

Download the guide today to gain a deeper understanding of the vital role interpreters play in breaking down language barriers to foster connections with your patients, clients, and customers.

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Clear communication improves outcomes.

Precise and impartial interpreter services prove your commitment to your customers, your workforce, and your business. Interpreters foster genuine cross-cultural connections, resulting in more successful and mutually beneficial patient, student, and employee relations, smoother business dealings, and collaborative problem-solving.

Interpreting services promote trust – get your free quote today.

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Our Simultaneous Interpreting Clients

instinct
HRiA
boys town
nnphi
The Trustees
Boston planning and development agency
Promega
Massport
City of Boston
fitchburg state

What Our Clients Say About Us

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instinct-logo testimonial 100tall 2023

I can’t say enough good things about the staff, agency and interpreters.  You are all awesome to work with! Thank you!! 

- Receptionist, Instinct Pet Foods

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I had the opportunity of working with Rapport International with one of my clients. I was very, very pleased with their professionalism but also with the way that they worked and interacted with the staff members within this organization.

Their services are par excellence, I highly recommend them. 

- Founder, C Thomas & Associates

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Hypha HubSpot Development logo testimonial 100tall 2023

The team at Rapport International is tough to beat. They are kind, professional, and experts in translation and interpretation. If you are looking for a reliable, ethical, and honest partner to help you navigate all of the complexity involved with written translation, spoken interpretation and multilingual communication services use Rapport International.

Highly Recommend.

- Hypha HubSpot Development

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HRiA

Rapport was so easy to work with, quick to respond, and quick to answer any questions I had along the way.

I'm grateful for their collaboration & services!

- Senior Program Manager, The LEAH Project, HRIA

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Boston planning and development agency testimonial 100tall 2023

Rapport International has been incredibly supportive and responsive and have always provided what we are looking for. I have yet to see any issues or hear any negative feedback from our presentations.

Rapport is helping us communicate effectively with our diverse and multilingual community, and I look forward to working with them in the future!

- Language Access Coordinator, Boston Planning & Development Agency

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Our Process

Our proven process matches you with interpreters experienced in your industry. We nurture these relationships over time to retain voice and style preferences, while creating cost efficiencies.
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Costs & turnaround

Working with Rapport International gives you the benefit of clear, transparent pricing and an established scheduling process.
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