New Report: Why AI Is the Future of Translation at Multilingual Meetings

This content was created collaboratively by Wordly and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.

In a world of increasingly global meetings with diverse attendees, effectively communicating has never been more critical. Breaking down language barriers speaks to the heart of accessibility, a top priority among planners. Meanwhile, the Freeman Trends 2024 Report states that easy access to educational content is the most valuable aspect of online events.

International audiences are hardly a new phenomenon at business events, but expectations have risen due to advancements in event technology. As planners are being asked to find the most cost- and time-efficient solutions, artificial intelligence, arguably the fastest-growing technology across all sectors, is proving to be a valuable and affordable tool for meeting translation demands.

Wordly, a provider of live AI translation and captions for business events, recently polled 205 marketing and sales professionals in the U.S. and UK responsible for managing meetings and events to gauge trends necessitating powerful translating tools.

Talking Points

The global economy has changed the way companies work and talk. While English remains the preferred language among U.S.-based companies and organizations, it is not necessarily the native language among employees and other attendees of meetings and events.

Wordly’s research found that 79 percent of planners said the number of non-first-language English-speaking attendees is increasing. Meanwhile, 53 percent reported at least one-fourth of attendees aren’t first-language English speakers.

Given those numbers, it’s hardly surprising that 88 percent of event management professionals said they’ve witnessed attendees speak at least two languages besides English during events. In a testament to the diversity of events, 40 percent of the surveyed planners said at least six languages were spoken at their meetings.

In an age where equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to meeting planners’ missions, it is incumbent upon them to ensure information is shared with attendees as accurately and efficiently as possible. In fact, 94 percent of survey respondents said enabling everyone to participate in their own language delivers better outcomes.

“Most meetings and events, whether they are in person or virtual, have attendees who speak different first languages,” said Dave Deasy, chief marketing officer at Wordly. “Forward-thinking organizations are embracing global opportunities by enabling everyone to participate in the language of their choice. This increases inclusivity, engagement, and learning.”

Turning Toward AI

Engagement at events with multilingual attendees requires minimizing communication lags, a fact seen in planners’ processes. More than three-quarters of respondents (77 percent) said they have enlisted live translation and captioning options to speed the process.

Technology will only further seamlessly integrate translation into programming. AI, so integral in many elements of events, is proving to be an effective tool among translation solutions like Wordly.

Planners who have used AI-powered tools to break down language barriers cite three particular benefits:

• Time-saving (64 percent): Faster than humans; no research to identify reputable vendors.
• Reduced cost (60 percent): Pay flat rate for all languages vs. paying by language.
• Simplified logistics (54 percent): No need to book a translator or ensure they are in the proper position.

As a result, 96 percent of respondents report AI delivers higher ROI than human translators. Wordly’s research finds the majority of planners have already adopted AI-based tools — 62 percent have some experience with AI translation — and 82 percent of those not using it yet plan to do so or are considering it.

“Wordly solved the multi-language challenge with an easy-to-use and affordable solution powered by AI,” said Deasy. “Over 3 million people worldwide have used Wordly, and they rave about the speed and quality of the output.”

In Wordly’s report, you will also find:

• How live translation factors into companies’ DEI strategies
• Why live translation empowers CEOs and planners to report higher ROI for their events
• Challenges that lay ahead for adopting translation solutions
• Areas in which AI can improve
• How AI stacks up against human translators

Download Wordly’s report here or schedule a free AI Translation Assessment with Wordly.

This content was created collaboratively by Wordly and Skift’s branded content studio, SkiftX.