S7 E28 SPD PODCAST: THE EVOLVING LINGUIST CONFERENCE – AN INTERVIEW WITH ITS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

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In S7 E28 of the ATA SPD Podcast, Gabriela Escarrá, Administrator of ATA’s Spanish Language Division,  interviews our two extraordinary keynote speakers for the upcoming Evolving Linguist Conference: Daniel Šebesta and Nathalie Greff‑Santamaria.

  • Nathalie Greff‑Santamaria offers a grounded, hopeful outlook on rapid changes in interpreting, especially advancements in remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) and AI. Exploring the metaphor of the ostrich that runs rather than hides, she encourages interpreters to engage proactively: specialize, broaden skills, participate in professional associations, and push forward intentionally.
  • Daniel Šebesta tackles the prediction made in 2017 that translators would disappear by 2025. He explains why that forecast was both accurate and misleading. Traditional profiles may be fading, but linguists who adapt with smart specialization and embrace new tools are prospering. He emphasizes working alongside AI, adopting value-based pricing, and focusing on emerging language services to elevate productivity, quality, and income.

Both speakers share real-world insights and actionable tips—highlighting how continuous learning and flexibility are critical for shaping a rewarding future in our profession.

🎯 Takeaway for Listeners: If you want to thrive—not just survive—in a language industry transformed by technology and innovation, don’t miss their live keynotes on September 6, 2025, at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

🔗 See the full program and register now: dvta.org/annual-conference

Date: Saturday, September 6
Location: Rutgers – New Brunswick
CEUs:

  • Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC): 7 CEUs, including 2 Ethics CEUs
  • American Translators Association (ATA): 5 CEPs
  • Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI): TBD
  • International Medical Interpreters Association (IMIA // NBCMI): TBD

How to get there:

Nathalie Greff-Santamaria is a conference interpreter (FR A, ES B, EN C) and literary translator. She trained at La Sorbonne Paris-IV and in Buenos Aires, where she lived for nearly 20 years. Since late 2018, she has specialized in organizing large-scale events, serving as Language Services Operations Manager for KUDO until 2022, and shortly after as Head of Language Services for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Deeply engaged in the world of conference interpreting, Nathalie recently rejoined the AmeriVox organization after a brief pause and actively contributes to several committees within the Société française des traducteurs (SFT), including those on Standards, Interpreting, and Mentoring. She also volunteers as an interpreter for various organizations and co-organizes the quarterly gatherings of Le Truc des interprètes in Paris.

Daniel Šebesta brings over 20 years of expertise working at the intersection of language, business, and technology. He holds an MBA with a specialization in pricing and strategy and is a Fellow of the Institute of Translation and Interpreting and of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, a sworn translator in Czechia and Germany, and a former Administrator of ATA’s Language Technology Division. In addition to his translation work, he advises LSPs, toolmakers, and localization buyers on questions around pricing, profitability, and language technology. He writes about technology topics for Slator and is a LocLunch Ambassador in Prague, Czechia & Upstate New York.

Gabriela Escarrá is a Certified Sworn Translator, Professor in English Language and Literature, and Copyeditor specializing in Marketing and Corporate Communication. She is the Administrator of the Spanish Language Division (SPD) of the American Translators Association (ATA) and the Chair of the Standards Committee of the American Translators Association (ATA). Gabriela has been involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for several years and has actively participated in other standard-related organizations. She works with several major international brands, localising and developing their Spanish-language campaigns. She is an international speaker and co-author of two books, Mejora continua de la calidad en la traducción (2019) and Pequeñas grandes verdades del español (2022).

Where to listen:

For questions and/or comments, contact us: podcast.ATASPD@gmail.com

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