Mirela
Do you work in the localization industry? There’s no better way to grow your skills and connect with peers than by attending translation and localization conferences and events in 2025. You can explore new ideas, discover the latest technologies, and mingle with the right people. This year’s lineup offers something for everyone. Here are a few notable localization meetups that might interest you.
AI EXPO (Aug 15, 2025, Austin, TX)
This is Texas’ largest AI event, held at the Austin Convention Center. It features keynote talks, panels, plus an expo hall with leading AI vendors. While focused broadly on AI, it includes strong relevance to translation and localization, especially via NLP and AI tools. You can gain insight into AI technologies directly impacting machine translation, MT post-editing, and localization workflows.
Format: In-person.
Cost: Ticketed attendance.
Translation Forum Russia (Aug 15–17, 2025, Moscow)
The flagship language-industry event in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet space, running August 15–17 at Moscow’s Golden Ring Venue. Attendees include 300–500 translation professionals, EU and UN reps, and localization technology providers. Some of the highlights of TFR 2025 include workshops on interpreting, sales training for linguists, simultaneous translation courses, plus 100+ sessions across tech, business, and linguistics.
- Format: In-person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
TECHSPO Melbourne (Aug 19–20, 2025, Melbourne)
A two-day tech expo at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, showcasing Internet, mobile, AdTech, MarTech, SaaS, and localization-related tech. Though not exclusive to localization, the overlap with emerging tech makes it well worth attending for LSPs and localization engineers exploring AI-based tech.
- Format: In‑person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
GlobalSaké Chicago LocWalk™ (Aug 22, 2025, Chicago)
GlobalSaké’s LocWalks are casual, in-person networking walks for localization professionals. This particular one is part of a global series fostering connection outside conference rooms. It’s going to be a summer stroll through Chicago’s many attractions, giving participants the chance to connect in person while they take in the beauty of the city.
- Format: In‑person (group outdoor walk).
- Cost: Free, but you need to register to secure your spot as space is limited.
ALCA Annual Conference (Aug 28, 2025, Cape Town)
Hosted by the Association of Language Companies in Africa, this conference takes place at the Cullinan Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s centered around the theme “Navigating the Global Market: Africa’s Role in the Language Services Industry,” highlighting Africa’s growing influence in the global localization landscape.
Format: In-person.
Cost: Ticketed attendance.
ALC 23rd Annual Summit (Sep 10-12, 2025, New Orleans)
The Association of Language Companies summit arrives in New Orleans, LA, in September. Expect sessions on business development, localization operations, vendor management, and tech in LSPs. This event offers the opportunity to grow and enhance your business through thought-provoking presentations, engaging panel discussions, and meaningful networking with leaders from across the language industry.
- Format: In‑person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
ELIA’s Networking Days (Sep 22, 2025, Budapest)
The European Language Industry Association’s Networking Days bring together language service providers, freelancers, and buyers for collaboration and deal‑making. ND’s format combines keynote sessions, interactive discussion groups, and a collaborative community. All are designed to encourage the exchange of insights and real-world experiences among industry professionals.
- Format: In‑person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
TAUS Massively Multilingual AI Conference (Oct 21, 2025, Salt Lake City)
The TAUS conference in October explores the impact of AI on global communication. Experts from leading AI labs will present cutting-edge technologies, while globalization directors and enterprise leaders will offer insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field. Language technology providers will also highlight how AI is merging with multilingual content to shape the future of global interaction.
- Format: In‑person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
ATA 66th Annual Conference (Oct 22-25, 2025, Boston)
The American Translators Association’s flagship event celebrates 1000+ translators and interpreters from over 60 countries. Passionate translators and interpreters from around the globe gather to share their distinct experiences and foster meaningful connections within a welcoming and collaborative community.
- Format: In‑person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
Annual SAMVĀD Event (Oct 30-31, 2025, New Delhi)
In South Asia, the Confederation of Interpreting, Translation, and Localization Businesses (CITLoB) is hosting Samvād, a name that means “dialogue” in Sanskrit. Designed as a platform for the localization industry to connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate, this year’s event will include expert-led sessions, interactive panel discussions, and targeted networking opportunities.
- Format: In‑person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
Translating Europe Forum (Nov 5-7, 2025, Brussels)
The 2025 edition of the Translating Europe Forum will tackle one of the translation profession’s most pressing challenges: ensuring and sustaining quality. Kicking off with a special spotlight on clear language, this year’s Forum promises a day filled with dynamic discussions, expert perspectives, and actionable insights for language professionals striving for excellence.
- Format: Online and in-person.
- Cost: Free.
NTIF (Nov 23-25, 2025, Helsinki)
This year, the Nordic Translation & Interpretation Forum draws inspiration from the Finnish concept of sisu, meaning a powerful mix of grit, resilience, and perseverance. With AI and language technologies rapidly transforming the industry, the forum will explore how professionals can adapt, excel, and lead with confidence.
- Format: Online and in-person.
- Cost: Ticketed attendance.
Wrapping up
No matter where you are in your professional journey, attending even one of these amazing translation and localization conferences and events in 2025 can open doors to fresh insights and new collaborations. Some require travel, others can be attended virtually, but each event is a chance to learn and connect. So mark your calendars and see what’s new in the ever-evolving world of language services.