ATA59 Is Just Around the Corner! - American Translators Association (ATA)

Source: The ATA Chronicle

From the President-Elect
Ted R. Wozniak
ted@tedwozniak.net

By the time you read this ATA59 will be just weeks away. If you haven’t registered yet, head over to the conference website and sign up today! Here’s a rundown of some important information you’ll need to assist you while making travel plans. I’ve also highlighted just a few of the many reasons why you’ll be glad you made the investment to attend ATA59!

Hotel Reservations: Please make your hotel reservations as soon as possible. Check ATA’s conference website for the latest information on accommodations. If you make your reservation before October 22, you’ll automatically be entered to win a free night for your existing hotel reservation! Winners will be announced at the Closing Session on Saturday afternoon.

Discounted Airport Shuttle: If you’re flying to New Orleans, ATA has negotiated discounted prices for the airport shuttle. A one-way trip is just $20 dollars and a round-trip is just $40, a savings of about $15 per leg compared to a taxi or Uber. To get the discount, you must make your reservation at least 24 hours in advance using the link at the conference website.

Job Fair: One of the primary reasons professional translators and interpreters attend ATA’s Annual Conference is to expand their client base and obtain more work. To help you meet that goal, this year’s Job Fair has been extended to two nights instead of just one. This will give you a little flexibility in your evening schedule in case you want to attend a division off-site event or enjoy a relaxing conversation with the new friends you made the first day of the conference.

Buddies Welcome Newbies: Speaking of making new friends, I strongly encourage all attendees to participate in the very popular “Buddies Welcome Newbies” program. The program pairs first-time attendees (“Newbies”) with more experienced attendees (“Buddies”). As a buddy, you help make your newbie’s first conference more enjoyable and rewarding by sharing tips from your experiences. In addition to the rewards you get from helping your Newbie, don’t be surprised if their enthusiasm is infectious and they help make your conference experience more enjoyable as well. If you’re a first-time attendee, your Buddy can provide a little extra support as you navigate all the sessions and events so you get the most out of your first ATA Annual Conference. There will be a debriefing on Saturday afternoon to help participants process everything they have taken in and learn what to do next.

Update Your Headshot: Another new benefit this year will be the presence of a headshot photographer in the Exhibit Hall. Photographer Sandra Pitre is offering on-site headshot services. Get three headshots for $30. This is a great opportunity for you to update your photo for your website or business card at a very affordable price. To make an appointment and provide payment, contact Sandra directly at ataphotos2018@gmail.com.

Dictionary Exchange: New this year is the Dictionary Exchange. If you have paper dictionaries and reference books you no longer need, bring them to the conference. There will be a table set up for you to drop off your books where newcomers to the profession can pick them up for free. Please note that this table will not be supervised, but strictly “first-come first-served.” Any items left on the table Saturday afternoon when the Exhibit Hall closes will be donated to a nonprofit organization if possible.

So, make sure your travel plans are in order to attend ATA59 in New Orleans. You can use the preliminary program on the conference website to start scheduling your sessions and networking events. Come together with more than 1,500 of your colleagues to improve your professional skills, expand your client base, make new friends, dine at some of the world’s best restaurants, and let the good times roll.