On April 26, 2024, language professionals from around Cádiz gathered for a special occasion—the ProZ.com powwow celebrating the platform’s 25th anniversary. Held in person, this event provided an excellent opportunity for linguists, translators, and interpreters to connect, share insights, and commemorate a quarter-century of ProZ.com’s impact on the industry.
The day kicked off with engaging talks at El Olivillo. Attendees discussed various topics, including the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on translation, effective client communication strategies on ProZ.com, and personalized profile reviews by ProZ.com staff members Helen, Luana, and Flor.
In the mid-1990s, Henry Dotterer’s exploration of the Internet sparked the inception of ProZ.com—a transformative platform for language professionals. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves at a pivotal moment: the convergence of human translators and AI technologies. Helen’s presentation provides a thought-provoking perspective. It’s a pivotal moment for language professionals—a chance to decide how we embrace new technologies. Will we actively experience and adapt, or will we neglect their potential? The choice lies with us, and our journey forward will shape the future of our industry.
Helen's presentation delved into this symbiotic relationship, addressing cognitive, technological, socio-economic, and pedagogical aspects. It emphasized the need for critical thinking, ethical considerations, and lifelong learning as we navigate the risks and opportunities posed by AI in translation.
ProZ.com’s initiatives empower translators. AI integration features enhance user profiles, while innovative tools like Pastey bridge human expertise and AI capabilities. Now, it’s the translators’ turn to embrace these tools and elevate their skills in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
In the presentation "Meeting clients at ProZ.com", Florencia emphasized the importance of optimizing translators' profiles by showcasing your skills, certifications, and specialization areas. A professional profile acts as an online business card, making it crucial for attracting potential clients. Attendees likely received valuable tips on how to create a compelling profile that stands out in the industry.
Additionally, Flor highlighted the benefits of collaboration with colleagues and participation in term help forums. Engaging with fellow professionals not only expands your knowledge but also strengthens your network. By actively participating in discussions and sharing insights, you can build meaningful connections within the ProZ.com community.
Last but not least, Flor discussed the significance of ProZ.com membership. Having a membership provides access to valuable features, including enhanced visibility, job postings, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned translator or just starting out, being a ProZ.com member opens doors to a wealth of resources and professional growth.
Networking and Celebrations at Sonámbulo
Following the morning talks, participants reconvened at Sonámbulo restaurant. Over relaxed conversations, attendees could unwind and further exchange insights and experiences. The highlight of the gathering was the celebration of ProZ.com’s 25th anniversary, complete with a delicious birthday cake, marking a milestone in the platform’s journey of empowering language professionals worldwide. As an additional treat, we ran a raffle, adding an element of fun and excitement to the event.
Jelena Morgan and Ismael Marín Castañeda’s impeccable organization made the powwow a resounding success.
The ProZ.com powwow in Cádiz was more than just an event—it was an opportunity to foster meaningful connections within the professional community.
Jelena took the initiative to assemble a team of fellow translators residing in the local communities of Cádiz and San Fernando. This collaborative effort forms the heart of the local translation community, fostering connections and camaraderie among language professionals in the area. By bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for languages and translation, Jelena, along with Ismael, has created a supportive network where members can exchange ideas, provide mutual assistance, and collectively contribute to the advancement of their craft.
Fostering Meaningful Connections
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Cádiz.
Here’s to many more years of collaboration, learning, and celebration! 🎉🥳
More ProZ.com powwows are on the horizon, so don't miss out! Join a powwow at https://www.proz.com/powwow or organize one in your area.
