Dec 2, 2013

55th Annual ATA Conference - Chicago Promo

ATA 54th Annual Conference Summary

ATA 54th Annual Conference Summary
By: Paul Koehler

                  Translators and interpreters in many different language pairs gathered for the ATA 54th Annual Conference held at the San Antonio Riverwalk Marriot from November 6-9, 2013. This annual conference is always an important event and gives many translators and interpreters a chance to learn, network and get together with new friends and old colleagues.
                  Attendance from members of the Japanese Language Division was very robust, with about 55 members attending the official JLD dinner at the Iron Cactus, which was graciously organized by JLD Secretary Hiroki Fukuyama. Other happenings in JLD included the initial open house, several sessions and the installation of two new officers: Jim Patrick as Administrator and Nadine Edwards Assistant Administrator, while Masae Sullivan stepped down after serving as Administrator from 2011-2013.

                  This year’s distinguished speaker was Richard Walker, who came from Yokohama to give a presentation and workshop on “Fiendishly Difficult Japanese Sentences”. Initial plans were also announced for next year’s conference, which will be held at the Chicago Sheraton Inn from November 5-8, 2014.

JLD Needs YOU!

Dear JLD Members,

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you had a relaxing holiday.

Although not even a month has passed since the ATA Conference in San Antonio, the planning process for next year's conference in Chicago is already beginning. The deadline for Distinguished Speaker proposals is in February, and the deadline for regular session proposals is in March. 

If you were able to attend the conference in Texas, you may have heard us calling for ideas and suggestions for next year. We have received a lot of good feedback. Thank you and please keep it coming. 
If you were not able to attend the 2013 conference, this is your chance to let us know what sort of sessions and presentations you would be interesting in attending. Who would you like to hear speak? What subjects would you like to learn about? Would you be interesting in giving a presentation? Do you know someone who would be a good speaker? Please let us know. Any and all suggestions are appreciated.

Finally, if you would be willing to volunteer for the Planning Committee, please contact us. The Planning Committee is a group of JLD members who help find and solicit speakers and coordinate sessions for next year's conference. We will meet once or twice a month via Skype over the next few months. Several people raised their hands to held last month. If you didn't get a chance to volunteer in San Antonio and you would like to get involved, here is your chance!

Our first Planning Committee Meeting will be held Sunday, December 8 at 9pm EST. Please contact Jim or Nadine if you would like to attend.

Best,
-Jim Patrick
JLD Administrator