For many freelance translators, especially in Africa, the daily grind involves battling low pay, inconsistent projects, and financial uncertainty. Every expense is scrutinized, luxuries are often cut out, and professional development opportunities like conferences are pushed to the bottom of the priority list.
But here’s the truth: this mindset is holding you back.
The translation industry is evolving rapidly AI, automation, declining rates, and market saturation means freelancers must stay ahead. Continuous learning and networking are no longer optional; they’re survival tools. And what better way to gain both than by attending a translation conference?
My First Conference Experience: A Turning Point
My journey began at the First Africa International Translation Conference (AITCO 2019) in Nairobi, organized by the East Africa Interpreters and Translators Association. As a speaker, I presented on “How Translation Can Conserve Indigenous Languages” an experience that was even featured in a Nimdzi conference report.
Since then, I’ve made it a mission to attend as many conferences as possible, including:
- IAPTI 2023 (Timisoara, Romania) – A global perspective on freelancing.
- AITCO 2024 (Kigali, Rwanda) – One of the most vibrant and insightful conferences I’ve ever attended (and I was part of the organizing committee!).
These experiences transformed my career. Here’s why you should invest in conferences, too.
Why Every Freelance Translator Should Attend Conferences
1. Connections & Contacts
Freelancing can be isolating, but conferences bring together translators, agencies, and industry leaders under one roof. The networking opportunities are unmatched; you could meet:
- Potential clients
- Collaborators for future projects
- Mentors who’ve overcome the same struggles
2. A Source of Inspiration
Hearing success stories from fellow freelancers is motivational gold. Many translators at conferences are:
- Building passive income streams
- Investing in real estate or side businesses
- Scaling their freelance work into agencies
If they can do it, so can you!
3. Increased Visibility
Simply showing up boosts your credibility. Better yet:
- Present a paper (like I did at AITCO).
- Join panel discussions.
- Engage in Q&A sessions.
The more active you are, the more people remember you when opportunities arise.
4. Knowledge That Pays Off
Conferences offer insights on:
- New CAT tools & AI advancements
- Freelance business strategies (pricing, contracts, marketing)
- Industry trends (what clients want)
You’ll leave with actionable tips that can immediately improve your freelance business.
Stop Waiting—Start Planning!
If you’re still hesitant because of cost, think of it as an investment, not an expense. Even one conference a year can make a huge difference.
Upcoming Conference to Watch:
📅 AITCO 2026 – Zanzibar, Tanzania (February 2026)
👉 Follow updates here: AITCO Facebook Group
Final Thought: Your Career Deserves This
The freelance struggle is real, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Conferences provide the tools, connections, and inspiration to break through barriers.
So mark your calendar, save up, and commit to attending at least one conference in 2025. Your future self will thank you.
Have you attended a translation conference before? How did it impact your career on Freelance Struggle? Share in the comments!