Conference Interpreting Professionalisation Talk 2025-26: Technology, AI, and the Future of Conference Interpreting
On 29 May 2026, Barbara Bethäusser-Conte, an AIIC conference interpreter, delivered a professionalisation talk for MACITS on technology, AI, and the future of conference interpreting.
On 29 May 2026, MACITS (MA Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies) was delighted to welcome world-leading conference interpreter Ms. Barbara Bethäusser-Conte, AIIC member, for a thought-provoking talk on the impact of modern technologies and artificial intelligence on the conference interpreting profession.
The session opened with an interactive discussion, inviting participants to reflect on their own experiences with distance interpreting (DI) and to consider how emerging AI technologies may shape the future of conference interpreting. This exchange provided the starting point for a broader examination of the profession's technological transformation.
The presentation began with a historical overview of technological developments in conference interpreting, illustrating a long-term trend towards greater digitisation, increased mobility, and the progressive shift from on-site to remote working environments. The rapid expansion of remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI) and hybrid conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic was presented not as an isolated phenomenon, but as the acceleration of an existing evolution.
A central part of the talk focused on distinguishing between distance interpreting (DI) and remote simultaneous interpreting (RSI), clarifying the terminology that is often used interchangeably. Participants were informed about the principal RSI platforms currently available on the market, with particular attention given to their common functionalities, technical differences, and practical applications.
The presentation also explored the technical and ergonomic requirements for professional remote interpreting. Beyond appropriate hardware, successful remote interpreting depends on a stable internet connection, high-quality audio equipment, a carefully designed workspace, and compliance with recognised professional standards. Particular emphasis was placed on the increased cognitive demands associated with remote interpreting, including listener fatigue, reduced visual information and higher levels of concentration. Drawing on research conducted by AIIC, the European Commission's DG Interpretation (SCIC) and the wider academic community, the speaker highlighted the importance of evidence-based working conditions designed to safeguard both interpreting quality and interpreters' well-being. As an AIIC member, Barbara Bethäusser-Conte also provided an overview of the quality standards and best practices established by AIIC and SCIC for remote interpreting.
The concluding section addressed the rapidly expanding field of computer-assisted interpreting (CAI) tools. Participants were introduced to the main categories of software, supporting interpreters before, during and after assignments, including terminology management, speech preparation, and AI-assisted workflow solutions. While recognising the considerable benefits these technologies can offer, the presentation also examined the ethical challenges they raise. Attention was given to issues such as confidentiality, data protection, professional responsibility, and the potential risk of over-reliance on technology, leading to the gradual de-skilling of practitioners.
The discussion concluded by reaffirming the continuing value of the human interpreter in an increasingly technology-driven profession. Among the principal messages of the talk was the responsibility of interpreters to function as ambassadors for their profession by communicating to clients and the wider public what conference interpreting entails, the working conditions required to ensure high-quality interpretation, and the current capabilities and limitations of artificial intelligence. Although AI and digital tools are becoming indispensable elements of professional practice, they remain precisely that—tools. Successful interpreting continues to depend on human judgement, linguistic expertise, ethical responsibility, and meaningful collaboration between colleagues.
The session provided students with a comprehensive overview of the technological developments transforming conference interpreting while reinforcing the enduring importance of professional standards, critical thinking, and the human dimension of multilingual communication.
Author: Elisabeth Jeschke, MA Conference Interpreting and Translation Studies (MACITS) 2025-26, German <>English
