Briefly

Selecting the right types of simultaneous interpreting for your event can significantly impact both its success and budget. This guide explores three main formats of conference interpreting services: On-Site, Hybrid, and Remote (Virtual), considering their technical requirements, suitability, risks, and costs to help you make an informed decision.

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In Detail
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Full On-Site Interpretation: The Gold Standard

The interpreters are present at the venue, working inside soundproof booths, with a full equipment solution provided

(including radiators, receivers, and audio systems), along with tech support.

Suitability

• High-Level Events: Ideal for prestigious conferences where precision and professionalism are paramount.
• Top Interpreters: Attracts the best interpreters who prefer traditional setups.
• Immersion: Allows interpreters to fully engage with the event, picking up on nuances and non-verbal cues.
• Traditional Setup: Considered the standard approach in the industry, ensuring high-quality conference interpreting services.

Risks

• Technical Failures: Although rare, on-site technical issues can disrupt the event.
• Availability of Equipment and Interpreters: Requires early booking to secure both interpreters and necessary equipment.

Costs

• High: The most costly option due to the need for equipment rental and technician support (normally turnkey solutions include delivery, setup, testing, monitoring, and teardown), as well as potential travel and accommodation expenses for interpreters.

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Hybrid Interpretation: The Best of Both Worlds

The interpreters connect to a physical event remotely, with equipment and support provided on-site.

Suitability

• Flexibility & Savings: Suitable when there are no locally available interpreters, as they can connect from anywhere in the world, provided the time zone permits. This eliminates travel and accommodation costs.
• Short Interpretation Periods: Ideal when types of simultaneous interpreting are required only for a short period of time during the event.
• Large Audiences: Works well for events with a high number of delegates needing interpretation (if they connect using smartphones or their own devices), especially when some participants are attending virtually.

Risks

• Technical Failures: Potential network or equipment issues on the interpreters' side. These risks can be mitigated by thoroughly vetting interpreters and ensuring they have backup devices and alternative power sources.
• Inconvenience of Delegate-Owned Devices: If delegates use a smartphone app to receive interpretation, battery drain (10-15% per hour depending on device model, age, and battery condition) could be a concern, especially for full-day events.

Costs

• Moderate: More cost-effective than full on-site conference interpreting services, but still involves expenses for on-site equipment (audio & video feed for interpreters, sound system, receivers for delegates—an alternative to smartphone apps—and technical support for delegates on-site).

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Remote (Virtual) Interpretation: The Cost-Effective Solution

Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) for virtual events.

Suitability

• Fully Remote Meetings: The go-to solution for entirely virtual events.

Risks

• Technical Failures: Potential network issues on the interpreters' side. These risks can be mitigated by thoroughly vetting interpreters and ensuring they have backup devices and alternative power sources.

Costs

• Low: The most budget-friendly option, eliminating large setup costs associated with physical equipment rental, as well as travel and accommodation expenses for interpreters.

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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Types of Simultaneous Interpreting for Your Event

When selecting the best conference interpreting service for your event, consider the event’s scale, audience, budget, and technical requirements.

• Full On-Site Interpretation offers the highest quality and professionalism but comes at a premium cost.
• Hybrid Interpretation balances quality and cost, ideal for larger or partially remote audiences.
• Remote (Virtual) Interpretation is the most economical option, perfect for fully virtual events, though it demands strong technical preparation

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Understanding the strengths and limitations of each format will help you create an inclusive and successful event that meets the needs of all participants.

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