Newcomer review by Oleh Bilyk
As a first-time attendee and a relative newcomer to the world of professional conferences, I was excited to travel to Boston for the American Translators Association’s 66th Annual Conference. Over three days, I discovered a packed schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, but for me the true gems were the community events organized by the Slavic Languages Division (SLD) and the thought-provoking presentations by our Distinguished Speaker and SLD members. The conference began with Advanced Skills & Training Day, which set a strong educational tone. These longer, in-depth sessions allowed participants to dive deeply into specific topics, including the practical use of AI in translation and interpreting workflows, as well as the often-overlooked challenges of escort interpreting. For someone new to ATA conferences, this format was especially helpful, as it allowed time not only to learn but also to ask questions and connect with colleagues in smaller settings.
As the main conference days unfolded, it became clear just how thoughtfully the program had been designed. Business and professional development sessions addressed real concerns faced by freelancers and agency owners alike — how to market services, communicate value to clients, manage time and finances, and adapt to a rapidly changing industry. These sessions were practical, honest, and reassuring, particularly for those still finding their footing in the profession.
Technology and AI were woven throughout the program, not as abstract concepts but as practical tools. Discussions focused on how translators and interpreters can responsibly integrate AI into their work while preserving quality, ethics, and the essential human element of language. Rather than fear-driven narratives, these sessions emphasized adaptability, critical thinking, and informed decision-making.
Legal translation and interpreting were also strongly represented. Sessions covered contracts, ethics, sworn translations, court procedures, and terminology, offering valuable insight into the realities of working in legal settings. For someone interested in the intersection of language and law, these talks provided both clarity and inspiration.
One of the most meaningful aspects of ATA66 was its attention to language access and inclusion. Sessions on relay interpreting for languages of limited diffusion highlighted the importance of ensuring that smaller language communities are not excluded. Discussions on healthcare language access emphasized that true safety and equity depend not only on patient communication but also on ensuring that staff can communicate effectively across languages. There was also a powerful focus on immigration document translation, reminding attendees that behind every document is a person whose future may depend on accuracy, ethics, and cultural understanding.
Robert Chandler on Russian Translation
One session that stayed with me long after I left Boston was Robert Chandler’s talk “Changing Attitudes to Translating from Russian.” As a distinguished translator of Russian literature, Chandler drew on his deep experience to challenge some of the conventional wisdom we often hear about translation. He shared stories about Constance Garnett, whose early translations of Chekhov, Dostoevsky and other great Russian writers helped shape how English-speaking readers encountered those voices for the first time. Garnett’s work has been both praised and criticized over the decades, and Chandler used this history to illustrate how debates over literal versus free translation can become dogmatic.
What I found most powerful was his insistence on tact and sensitivity as guiding principles. Rather than clinging to a single theoretical approach, he urged us to develop the intuition to know when to be direct and when to let a little “strangeness” remain, when to preserve ambiguity and when to clarify. He also spoke about the value of collaboration — reading drafts aloud with colleagues and discussing tone and rhythm — and the importance of humility: studying other translations, not to copy them but to learn from different solutions. Chandler’s talk was a reminder that translation is a living art, one that requires as much heart as it does technique.
A Warm Welcome at Servia
The Slavic Languages Division Annual Dinner brought us together at Servia, a Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant tucked near Faneuil Hall. Over platters of hummus, grilled meats, and vibrant salads, I had the chance to meet colleagues I’d only ever seen on Zoom, catch up with old friends and make new ones. Conversations ranged from the challenges of translating dialects to the best places in Boston to grab a cannoli. By the end of the evening, I felt like part of a close‑knit community rather than just another conference attendee.
Equally important were the informal moments: hallway conversations, shared meals, division gatherings, and evening events. As a first-time attendee, I was struck by how welcoming the community was. The Slavic Languages Division dinner, in particular, provided a warm and relaxed environment to meet colleagues, exchange stories, and feel genuinely included. These conversations were just as valuable as the formal sessions.
The conference culminated with a keynote that traced the human drive to decipher language from ancient history to modern AI, offering a fitting conclusion to a week focused on both innovation and tradition. By the final day, what stood out most was not just the volume of knowledge shared, but the shared sense of purpose among translators and interpreters from around the world.
Final Thoughts
This year’s conference reminded me why I’m proud to belong to the Slavic Languages Division. As a newbie, I was welcomed warmly into conversations and felt supported every step of the way. Our dinner at Servia created a space where colleagues could relax and connect, and Robert Chandler’s session challenged me to think more deeply about my craft. I left Boston feeling inspired, grateful, and eager to apply what I learned to my own work. I hope that by sharing these impressions, I can encourage more of our members — especially those who haven’t attended before — to join us at future conferences. There’s nothing quite like experiencing the energy and camaraderie of the SLD in person when you’re just starting out.
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