How Many Conference Interpreters Will I Need?

You are planning a conference. The venue is booked, the speakers are confirmed, and the agenda is set. But there’s one question nagging at you.
“How many interpreters do I need? “ 

It is not just a tiny detail. It differs between a smooth, professional event and a linguistic trainwreck. 

Think about it. Your audience is global. They speak different languages. They have travelled far to hear your speakers. But what’s the point if they can’t understand what’s being said? That’s where conference interpreters come in. 

But here’s the thing: Figuring out how many interpreters you need isn’t as simple as counting languages. It’s about understanding your event, your audience, and the magic of how interpretation works. 

Let’s break it down. 

What Do Conference Interpreters Actually Do? 

First, let’s get one thing straight. Conference interpreters aren’t just translators. Translators work with written text. Interpreters work with spoken words. They listen to a speaker in one language and instantly translate what they hear into another. It’s like being a linguistic ninja: fast, accurate, and always on point. 

There are two main types of interpretation: 

• Simultaneous Interpretation: The interpreter speaks at the same time as the speaker. You see this in big international conferences, with interpreters sitting in soundproof booths and attendees listening through headsets. 
• Consecutive Interpretation: The interpreter speaks after the speaker, usually in shorter segments. This is more common in smaller meetings or one-on-one settings. 

For most conferences, simultaneous interpretation is the go-to choice. It keeps the event flowing smoothly without awkward pauses. But it also means you’ll need more interpreters. Why? Interpreting is mentally exhausting. 

Why One Interpreter Isn’t Enough 

Here’s a fun fact: Professional interpreters typically work in pairs for simultaneous interpretation. Why? Interpreting is like running a mental marathon. It requires intense focus, quick thinking, and a ton of energy. 

The International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC) recommends that interpreters switch every 20-30 minutes. This ensures they stay sharp and accurate. You’ll need multiple interpreters for each language pair if your conference runs for hours. 

For example, if you have a 4-hour conference in English with a French audience, you’ll need at least two French interpreters. They’ll take turns, giving each other breaks to stay fresh. 

How Many Languages Are You Working With? 

The number of interpreters you need depends on the number of languages being used. Let’s say your conference has speakers in English, but your audience speaks English, French, Spanish, and Mandarin. 

Here’s the breakdown: 

• English to French: 2 interpreters 
• English to Spanish: 2 interpreters 
• English to Mandarin: 2 interpreters 

That’s 6 interpreters in total. But wait, what if some of your French-speaking attendees also want to hear the Spanish interpretation? Or what if your Mandarin-speaking attendees need to interact with the French-speaking ones? 

This is where things get interesting. You might need relay interpretation. In a relay, one interpreter translates from the source language (e.g., English) into a “bridge” language (e.g., French). Then, another interpreter translates from the bridge language into the target language(e.g. Mandarin). 

Relay interpretation can save you money, but it also adds complexity. And yes, it means you’ll need more interpreters. 

What’s the Size and Format of Your Event? 

The bigger your event, the more interpreters you’ll need. A small boardroom meeting might only require one or two interpreters. But a large international conference with hundreds of attendees? That’s a whole different ballgame. 

Also, consider the format. Is it a panel discussion with multiple speakers? A Q&A session? A technical presentation with lots of jargon? Each format has its challenges. For example, a panel discussion might require interpreters to switch between speakers quickly, which can be mentally draining. 

What’s Your Budget? 

Let’s be honest: Interpreters aren’t cheap. According to Talent.com, professional conference interpreters can charge up to £16.53 per hour or £32,240 per year, depending on their experience and the complexity of the event. 

If you work with a tight budget, you might be tempted to cut corners. But here’s the thing: Skimping on interpreters is a bad idea. Poor interpretation can lead to misunderstandings, frustration, and even embarrassment. 

Instead, focus on prioritising. Which languages are most important for your audience? Can you use relay interpretation to reduce costs? Are there parts of the event(like networking sessions) where interpretation isn’t needed? 

What About Technology? 

Technology can help, but it’s not a replacement for human interpreters. AI-powered translation tools, like Google Translate, are great for casual conversations but can be unreliable in professional settings. 

That said, technology can make interpretation more efficient. For example, remote interpretation platforms allow interpreters to work from anywhere. This can save you money on travel and accommodation costs. 

But even with technology, you’ll still need human interpreters. Machines can’t capture tone, nuance, or cultural context. And let’s be honest: No one wants to listen to a robot at a conference. 

Final Thoughts

Planning a conference is hard work. But with the right team of interpreters, you can create an inclusive, engaging, and unforgettable event. 

Remember, interpreters are not just a line item in your budget. They are the bridge between your message and your audience. They are the reason your French-speaking CEO can inspire your Mandarin-speaking team. They are the reason your Spanish-speaking clients feel valued. 

So don’t skimp. Invest in professional interpreters. Your audience will thank you.
If you are unsure how many interpreters you need, just ask. EMS Communication offers free consultations. Now go forth and plan that conference.