By Olivia Lyu
As the founder of Shanghai Pegasus Translation & Interpretation Solutions Ltd., attending the American Translators Association Annual Conference was an incredibly rewarding and unforgettable experience. This conference brought together over 1,200 T&I professionals from all corners of the world. For us, what made the event especially meaningful was being the only translation company from China participating in the job fair. Although our booth was modest and simple, as one of the few Chinese exhibitors, it was truly an exciting moment—there’s always a sense of pride in presenting ourselves on the international stage.
The pace of the conference was fast and exhilarating. From morning to night, we were constantly rushing between sessions. All conference sessions were remarkably enriching, covering a wide range of topics such as translation technologies, industry trends, and market shifts. The knowledge gained was invaluable, and more often than not, we found ourselves gathering afterward to share ideas, discuss opportunities, and forge new collaborations. It truly felt like we were constantly nourishing our minds, making the experience both fulfilling and stimulating.
One of the most direct benefits of the conference was the opportunity for our company to expand the roster of translators. We connected with experts in various specialized language pairs, including Somali, African languages, Indian dialects, and more. It was eye-opening and exciting to explore such diverse language needs. We also met many translators from around the world, exchanging insights and experiences, which will serve as a solid foundation for our future work in the global market. This will allow us to provide more comprehensive and precise translation services to our clients.
Beyond the sessions, I had the privilege of engaging in in-depth conversations with many veteran translators and influential figures in the industry. Of note, I had insightful exchanges with ATA President, Geoff Koby, and James Phillips, Head of the Translation Department at WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization), gaining valuable perspectives on the latest developments in the industry. Another highlight was a conversation with Renato Beninatto, author of The General Theory of the Translation Company, where we discussed many operational and management strategies that will inspire our future development.
Amid the hectic schedule, there were moments of relaxation that added even more value to the trip. A special thank you to the CLD (Chinese Language Division) for organizing a wonderful networking event, which allowed us to meet and connect with many seasoned Chinese translators from overseas. Everyone was so friendly and generous in sharing their knowledge, which made the experience all the more enriching. After the event, a few of us took the opportunity to step out and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery of Portland. Walking down the tree-lined paths, with golden and red leaves swirling around us, was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on everything we had learned.
Of course, the evening social gatherings were also a memorable part of the event. We laughed, played games, and shared stories—revealing a lighter, more relaxed side of the professional translators’ community. Imagine a group of translation professionals, usually serious and focused, letting loose and enjoying fun activities together. It was an absolute blast, and I was lucky enough to win a prize—a book on simultaneous interpreting! It’s been so long since I played games, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. A big thanks to my friends at the CLD for giving me that ‘win’ feeling again!
All in all, the ATA Annual Conference was an incredibly fruitful experience. Not only did it provide me with a deeper understanding of the future of the translation industry, but it also allowed me to connect with like-minded peers and experts. For Pegasus, this conference was an invaluable opportunity to broaden our global perspective and forge new partnerships and resources for our future growth. I am confident that we will continue to make steady progress in the global translation market, providing high-quality services to more clients, while also collaborating with and growing alongside our peers in the industry.
This was truly a trip worth making!
As the founder of Shanghai Pegasus Translation & Interpretation Solutions Ltd. (译想家), Olivia is passionate about communication, cultural exchange, and learning new languages. Fluent in Mandarin, English, and Spanish, Olivia enjoys connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and bridging cultural gaps. With a vision to create a translation company with a global perspective, Olivia aims to offer more than just language services, but to become a trusted expert in cross-cultural communication, helping clients navigate an interconnected world with understanding and clarity.
Edited by Luyi Yang and Sijin Xian.
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