Exploring the Impact of Technology and AI on the Language Industry

Welcome to The Helsinki Language Industry Summit (Kieli2024), a prestigious international conference organised by SKY (Association of Finnish Language Service Providers) in partnership with EUATC (European Union of Associations of Translation Companies) and supported by the EU DGT (European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation).

This year’s focus is on the transformative impact of technology and Artificial Intelligence on the translation industry for companies.

On the second day, join us for a dynamic Job Fair, part of the TEW (Translating Europe Workshops by EU DGT), designed to engage with freelancers, university graduates and undergraduates, as well as their teachers, and offering valuable networking and career opportunities.

This event is a truly international gathering, bringing together experts, professionals, and attendees from around the globe to discuss and shape the future of the language industry.

Special Pricing for SKY and EUATC Network Members

Members of SKY and the EUATC Network are invited to take advantage of exclusive discounted rates for the Helsinki Language Industry Summit. To secure your special pricing, simply select your association from the dropdown menu on the registration form and enter the discount code EUATC_Network_2024 in the “Discount Coupon” field. This will ensure that the discounted rate is applied to your registration. Don’t miss the opportunity to join industry leaders as we delve into the transformative impact of AI on the translation industry.

Venue

Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel, Helsinki

Located in the vibrant city of Helsinki, the Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and stunning seaside views. This venue provides an ideal setting for the Helsinki Language Industry Summit (Kieli2024), ensuring a memorable and productive experience for all attendees.

For more details about the hotel and accommodations, please visit Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel.

The code for bookings is SKYry. Booking can be made by phone at +358 300 870 010 / individual bookings or by email and on the hotel website.

Programme

Join us for a comprehensive programme that delves deep into the impact of technology and AI on the translation industry. Over two days, you will have the opportunity to attend insightful presentations and panel discussions, and workshops led by industry experts. The second day features a special Job Fair aimed at connecting students, educators, and freelancers with leading companies and organisations in the language sector.

September 2024

11 September

12 September

13 September

11 September

12 September

13 September

Speakers

Anna Haverinen

Research Lead and Partner, Un/known

Anna Haverinen, PhD, is an experienced design anthropologist with a doctorate in digital culture doctor, and a strategist. She has worked at Finland’s leading design, research and technology development houses for the past 15 years. As Research Lead and partner at Un/known, she helps companies and organisations to implement strategies more effectively, find growth in new customer markets, innovate with technology and design, and understand customer needs more deeply. In her academic career, Anna has published widely on digital death and hate speech on the internet.

Elena Murgolo

Localisation Consultant

A language expert and tech enthusiast with a passion for martial arts. She started as a conference interpreter, mastering English and German, then transitioned into technical translation. Elena excelled in Language Technology, managing CAT tools and MT. In academia, she’s published papers and presented at conferences. At Custom MT, she’s a Localization Consultant, leading AI model training projects. Beyond work, Elena teaches judo to children, making her our l10n ace with a judo twist.

Erik Miller

Managing Director of Bellcrest Translations

Erik Miller is the Managing Director of Bellcrest Translations and one of its two owners. He is also the President of SKY, the Finnish Language Service Providers. He has been in the industry since the early nineties as a translator at an LSP, freelancer and an entrepreneur and business owner.

Heike Leinhäuser

President of EUATC

Heike Leinhäuser has been President of EUATC since January 2019 and was re-elected to the position in December 2022. She is a long-term advocate of the localization industry at both national and international levels, notably through her role as a former president of QSD e.V., the German association of translation companies. From personal experience, she has gained a nuanced understanding for the needs of the different stakeholders in the industry – from in-house translation departments, to language service companies as well as freelancers. After seven years at Siemens Germany, where she gained in-depth expertise in the fields of change management and process optimisation, she left to become a freelance translator. In 1997 she founded what would become Leinhäuser Language Services GmbH, where she remains Managing Director and co-owner.

Inkaliisa Vihonen-Peuranen

Policy Coordinator at the European Commission

Inkaliisa Vihonen-Peuranen is a Policy Coordinator at the European Commission, specialising in multilingual communication and stakeholder relations in the field of skills and training. She has over 10 years of professional experience in international public administration, working on various policy initiatives and projects that aim to enhance the linguistic and cultural diversity of the EU and foster the employability and mobility of its citizens.

She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Turku and Helsinki, where she developed her analytical and research skills and deepened her knowledge of EU affairs and institutions. She is also a certified Project Manager (PM2) and team coordinator, leading and supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of multiple projects and events with internal and external partners.

Jari Herrgård

Software Localisation Expert, LanguageWire

Jari Herrgård is an experienced language services salesman and software localisation expert. He moderated numerous language-related events and has also spoken on topics such as agile localisation and crowdsourcing.

Jari started his career as freelance translator and small entrepreneur, and later worked for several years at a translation company in various project management roles. He then went back to being an entrepreneur and was involved in launching and developing a web-based translation platform. In 2019, he moved back to a language services provider as an employee, this time in technical and sales roles. Since 2020, he worked at Delingua in sales.

Jari will be moderating the “The AI Evolution: Real-World Impacts and Insights” panel, by Elena Murgolo from CustomMT and Karoliina Kettukari from Meltlake and and also hosting the entire morning session of the programme.

Jörg Müller

AI Consultant

Jörg Müller, a digital expert rooted in the marketing, advertising, and media industries, witnessed the early Internet era and managed its business impact. With a diverse background spanning software engineering, product management, and innovation leadership, he recognized Generative AI’s transformational potential in early 2021, well before its mainstream emergence. This led him to research Gen AI applications, ultimately pivoting his career to AI consulting. Today, he guides companies in identifying practical AI applications, with a focus on SMBs. His approach emphasizes responsible AI use, balancing technological capabilities with ethical considerations to augment human expertise across various sectors.

Katja Virtanen

VP of Customer Success (Finland), Delingua Language Services

Katja is former President of Finnish Language Service Providers (SKY) and the founder of Delingua Language Services, since 2023 part of the Danish LanguageWire group. After completing her studies in Germany and Finland, she led a language school in Madrid and worked as a conference interpreter in the various EU institutions. In 2005, she entered into the translation and localization business by establishing Delingua. With LanguageWire, she is committed to push the evolution of AI language solutions forward.

Karoliina Kettukari

Head of Modern Work, Meltlake

Karoliina Kettukari is an expert in the use of modern work and digital tools. She has had a decade of working with Finnish companies helping them to develop effective team working and communication skills. Her current focus has been working with her clients to address how artificial intelligence is impacting employee’s everyday lives.

She manages the modern work practices at Meltlake, a subsidiary of Futurice, focusing on Microsoft technologies. Karoliina’s effective and passionate speaking engagements in conferences in her own country and around the world have been recognised with the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award.

Marja Hennessy

Director at DGT, European Commission

A technology, people management and lifelong learning enthusiast, Marja started her career in IT in Finland, before moving to the European Commission to work in the Commission’s research programmes as a financial manager and an auditor. Originally a humanist, with MPhil in literature and library and information science, Marja has studied International Relations, European law, human resources management, and is an eMBA graduate from Aalto University. At DGT, Marja’s responsibilities include quality management and digital transformation. Marja is passionate about AI at the workplace, change management, coaching and mentoring, and intercultural connections.

Marta Aragão

Vice-President of EUATC

Marta Aragão is the Founder and CEO of Inpokulis Translation and Descomunal Marketing and Communication. Marta is very active in the translation industry, currently serving as the President of the Portuguese Association of Translation Companies (APET) and Vice-President of the European Union of Associations of Translation Companies (EUATC). She is also a Board Member of EULOGIA (European Alliance of Translation Companies). Additionally, together with FIT and EU DGT, she has been involved in developing a Visibility Campaign for the translation and interpreting professions.Marta is a Founding Member of RML, a business network supporting women in top management positions in high-performing companies, and ME TIME, a local network for women entrepreneurs. With a degree in Translation, Marta has also worked as a university lecturer and is a regular guest speaker on topics such as translation, business management, and entrepreneurship.

Mili Viita

Translator, Text Tailors

Mili Viita is a seasoned marketing translator and the co-owner of Text Tailors, a business run by two experienced translators. With over 25 years in the translation industry, Mili has perfected her skills in translating marketing and corporate communications texts, ensuring they flow naturally and resonate with the target audience.

During her career, Mili held various positions at a translation agency for over a decade before transitioning to self-employment. She has been successfully running her own business since 2013. Mili is also a co-author of The Translator’s Guide to the Industry, a practical guide aimed at helping translation students and newcomers navigate the field.

Mili’s expertise and dedication to her craft have made her the go-to professional for clients seeking smooth and natural translations. Her passion for problem-solving and commitment to making her clients’ lives easier drive her professional endeavours. Additionally, Mili keeps up with developments in the translation industry and enjoys trying out new tools.

Photo by: Emma Vainionperä

Riikka Turunen

Director of Group Compliance and Privacy, Sanoma Group

Riikka Turunen, Director of Group Compliance and Privacy, is responsible for regulatory and ethical compliance and data protection at Sanoma Group. Last year, as part of the company’s compliance programme, Sanoma adopted ethical guidelines for the use of AI. Riikka’s previous work experience includes working at Nokia and as a consultant particularly on data and digital services. Riikka has a master’s in social sciences.

Teemu Purmonen

Chairperson, Youpret

Teemu Purmonen is a founding member, entrepreneur, and chairperson of the board of Youpret Ltd, a company specializing in interpretation services and language technology. How has Youpret succeeded in lowering the barrier to employment for young people and making it easier to hire workers with an immigrant background? How did we manage to employ a thousand interpreters ourselves? Finland will need more workforce in the coming years, and with Youpret’s services, language is no longer a barrier to hiring international workers.