The Growing Demand for Live AI Translation in the Events Industry

Posted on

December 6, 2024

| Last Updated on

Did you know that over 90% of event planners are considering using live AI translation for their events? The events industry is undergoing significant shifts, driven by evolving attendee language needs, tightening budgets, and changing expectations around event technology. As challenges grow in traditional human translation models, AI-powered solutions are stepping in to revolutionize how events are experienced.

At Wordly, we’ve witnessed these trends firsthand. Each year, we attend and support hundreds of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events around the world - including recent high-profile conferences managed by ICMA (International City / County Management Association), MPI, and IMEX. The events provided the opportunity to speak with thousands of buyers and decision makers in the events industry and learn about their challenges.

ICMA - September, 2024 | Pittsburgh

Wordly exhibited and provided live demos at this annual gathering of key managers from hundreds of local governments across the US and Canada with attendees representing all functional areas.

MPI The Event - September, 2024 | Ottawa

Wordly provided live AI translation for all attendees during the educational sessions at this annual gathering of event planners from organizations across the US and Canada. Offering live translation made the event more inclusive and engaging since attendees could follow in English, French, or dozens of other languages.

IMEX America - October, 2024 | Las Vegas

Wordly provided live AI translation for all attendees during the educational sessions at this annual gathering of 10,000+ event planners from hundreds of organizations worldwide. Wordly also exhibited and provided live demos to attendees.

Here’s what we learned about the growing demand for live AI translation at these events. These observations are consistent across various industries, organization sizes, and geographic locations reinforcing the growing importance of bridging language barriers everywhere.


The Changing Landscape of Language Translation at Events
A Diverse Audience with Unique Needs

Event attendees today come from increasingly diverse linguistic backgrounds. For many, English isn’t their first language. With some events requiring translations in 6-8 languages, the limitations of human translators quickly become evident. AI-powered tools make it possible to deliver content in multiple languages simultaneously, ensuring every attendee feels included.

Budgets vs. Expectations

Flat budgets and rising costs are pushing event planners to rethink their priorities. As they strive to deliver exceptional experiences, many are turning to automation to save on costs without compromising quality. AI translation not only reduces expenses but also elevates attendee satisfaction by providing seamless, real-time translations.

Tech That’s Easy to Integrate

Event planners are juggling a million details, so simplicity is key. Translation tools must integrate seamlessly with platforms like Cvent, Zoom, and Teams, especially for hybrid and virtual events. AI solutions such as Wordly meet this need, offering easy setup and compatibility across platforms.

Accuracy and Customization Concerns

Of course, no technology is perfect. A major concern with AI translation is accuracy, especially when it comes to industry-specific jargon. Event teams need the ability to customize glossaries within AI tools to ensure precise and contextually accurate translations. This flexibility can make or break an event’s success.

Why Traditional Translators Are Falling Behind

Human translators were once the gold standard for multilingual events. However, as AI advancements continue to reshape the landscape, their limitations are becoming harder to ignore:

  • Limited Language Coverage: Human translators are restricted to the languages they know. For multilingual audiences, this can mean a frustrating lack of access.
  • Time Delays: Translators require time to process and convey information, leading to delays that disrupt audience engagement.
  • High Costs: Professional translators are expensive, making them impractical for budget-conscious planners.
  • Logistical Challenges: Finding and scheduling qualified translators can be a logistical nightmare, adding stress to an already complex planning process.

These issues are steering event organizers toward faster, more cost-effective AI solutions.

The AI Advantage

With AI translation, the possibilities are endless—and the setup is refreshingly simple. Attendees can access translations in real-time on their own devices, choosing the language and format they prefer.

One attendee may listen to Spanish audio translations on their laptop, while the person sitting next to them may read Mandarin written translations on their mobile device. This personalization ensures every attendee remains engaged, breaking down language barriers and fostering meaningful connections.

Setting up AI translation is straightforward. Basic equipment like an iRig device, audio mixer, local power supply, and speaker cable is all that’s needed to connect the event sound system to the Wordly system which runs in the cloud. Some events report being up and running in as little as 10-15 minutes. With AI, there’s no need for bulky equipment or on-site interpreters. Organizations save money while delivering a superior experience for attendees.

Wordly: Empowering Events Across the Globe

As a leader in live AI translation, Wordly is proud to support over 3 million users and power 100,000+ sessions worldwide. We’ve delivered over 500 million minutes of translation across 60+ languages, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, and dozens more.

Our platform can support in-person, hybrid, and virtual events, enabling attendees to join via a QR code or a web link. Event organizers love the custom glossary feature, which ensures accurate translations of industry-specific terms. Organizers can also display real time text transcripts of the sessions on large screen monitors in the meeting rooms.

With Wordly, you can create inclusive, engaging events without breaking the bank—or your back.

Events that embrace live AI translation unlock their full potential, creating environments where language is no longer a barrier to learning, networking, or inspiration. Attendees leave with newfound knowledge and meaningful connections, regardless of their native tongue.

The shift to AI translation isn’t just a trend; it’s a transformative leap forward for the events industry. As more organizations adopt this technology, the days of relying solely on human translators are quickly becoming a thing of the past.

Are you ready to revolutionize your next event with live AI translation?

To learn more, and schedule a personalized demo, visit www.wordly.ai.

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