My name is Audrey Langlassé and I am an English to French translator based in Glasgow. I  am what some people would call a « generalist  translator», but with time I have come to specialise in  International development, European affairs, Environment, the Arts, Tourism, Advertising and Scottish whisky (which has earned me to be comically remembered as « The Whisky Lady » by fellow colleagues met at conferences!).  Next May, I will be celebrating my eight years in the job.

I am a very strong advocate of CPD in all its forms, and of professional conferences above all. I have attended 2 ITI conferences (2011, 2013) so far, even 3 if you count the 2008 London Conference The translator as a strategic partner which was jointly organised by ITI, PROZ and CIOL. That very first conference was both an eye-opener on the wealth of knowledge, ambition, professionalism, innovation and support there is in the profession, and a true springboard to my career as I met some people who have become long-term colleagues and clients since then.

That is why I pre-registered without looking at the programme in details as I have complete faith in the organisers for inviting outstanding speakers.

Besides I relish the thought of the 2-hour train journey that will take me to Newcastle. No need to fly or arriving the night before for once!

I love the conference atmosphere and its associated freedom. It is like being in a bubble for 3 or 4 days, being able to focus solely on my practice, network and reflect about the profession and future challenges for me to take up; catching up with colleagues and meeting new ones; discovering new trends and technologies, and for example finding myself drinking in Jost Zetches’ words about new tools for three hours when the sheer idea of installing new software normally puts me in a cold sweat. I indeed discovered that the only way for me to adopt new technologies is to be convinced face to face and see a live demo: therefore, I will be attending the 2 IT masterclasses : Marek Pawelek’s Align This and Stephen Gentz’s XML, Yes We Can.

I am also very much looking forward to the cultural programme on the Sunday. I am sure it will be the icing on the cake of a dense and enriching conference.

Finally, I have promised myself to do my very best to keep two days after the conference to take immediate actions on what I would have learnt. I have regretted in the past coming home from conferences and having to immerse myself in urgent jobs immediately after. Let’s see if I keep my promise…