The European Language Industry Association (Elia) has launched a new membership initiative for language service companies and independent professionals to connect and join forces with the ultimate goal of better serving end clients, strengthening the language industry in the process.

Companies and individuals who believe in the power of positive working practices are invited to sign up as Founding Members before 31 May 2017 and help shape the development of Elia Engage and its activities.

Building on the aims of Elia’s annual Together conference, which provides the venue for both parties to come together in person for open discussion and constructive dialogue, Elia Engage is the interactive forum for companies to meet and develop connections with skilled independent language professionals and, together, establish best practices for enduring, long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Elia Engage will be led by committee, with independent professionals and language service companies equally represented. Founding Members will have numerous opportunities to influence the initiative and will be able to join various working groups that will focus on developing key aspects to help both parties achieve success and fulfilment in their businesses. This is an unheard of opportunity to be part of something from the ground up and to contribute directly to creating a legacy for the language industry built on respect and positivity.

All Elia Engage members will get a profile on the Elia Engage website to promote their services, the opportunity to communicate across borders, access to resources and services, and more. In addition, individuals will receive a 10% discount to attend future Together events.

Elia Full Member companies receive access to Elia Engage as part of their Elia membership and simply need to sign up and commit to the aims of Elia Engage and actively support positive working relationships. The membership fee for independent professionals such as translators, interpreters, localisers, consultants and project managers is €110 for 12 months. Register as a Founding Member by 31 May 2017 and receive the prestige of being an early adopter and the chance to influence the industry; independent language professionals who sign up as Founding Members will benefit from extended membership until 31 December 2018 for a special rate of €90.

Steve Lank, Vice President of Translation Services at Cesco Linguistic Services and Chair of the Elia Engage Working Group, said “I am proud to be involved in this initiative because it demonstrates Elia’s commitment to revitalising and strengthening the relationship between language service companies and independent language professionals, which is so vital to the success of our industry. By providing a platform for transparent interaction and honest communication between these two key groups, Elia is helping to bridge a gap that has existed for far too long. I feel this unique initiative can lead to better understanding, closer cooperation and, ultimately, better service to our clients. I am excited to engage with members to achieve these goals.”

Lara Millmow, Elia Managing Director, commented “We know that outsourcing linguistic tasks continues to be the model that language service companies utilise, and we recognise that the relationship with independent professionals is all-important. After successfully establishing Together – the industry’s only conference dedicated to fostering that relationship – the logical next step for Elia was to create a forum for year-round networking and collaboration as part of our strategy to support the business success of our members. We’re excited to work with Founding Members to shape how the forum develops for the benefit of both parties and the industry as a whole.”

To find out more about Elia Engage and to sign up as a Founding Member, go to: elia-association.org/elia-engage.

To see Elia’s calendar of events and for insights about previous editions of Together, visit: elia-association.org/our-events.

About Elia

Elia is the European not-for-profit association for the language services industry established in 2005. Our mission is to accelerate the business success of our members – language service companies with a business focus in Europe –through creating highly relevant events and initiatives.

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info@elia-association.org
 

Media contact

Lara Millmow, Elia Managing Director

Email: lara.millmow@elia-association.org

Elia | European Language Industry Association