ELIA's Networking Days Istanbul

ND Istanbul - It was a great success

The combination of a great program, fabulous location and superb local member support created the best Networking Days we've ever held. Over 110 persons participated in a very useful and memorable event.

For example, the Google keynote and subsequent session drew a large crowd wanting to know more about Google Translate, how it works and what it will mean for the future, Doug Lawrence's Sales workshop was sold-out, there was great, honest discussion that took place during the tools session, a small but extremely satisfied crowd listened to the nuances of Taxation in Europe, and everyone learned more about doing business in Turkey.

But, the event wasn't only about workshops and sessions. Networking opportunities abounded and everyone took part in  the Networking Cocktail and was astounded by the view of Istanbul and the Galata Tower . Between attendees and guests there were as many people on the spectacular dinner cruise the Friday evening during the two days of the event. The next morning over half of the attendees enjoyed a guided tour of Istanbul that took the group to see some of the major sights like the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Basilica Cistern, the Spice Bazaar and the Grand Bazaar. Overall it was a great combination of learning and socializing/networking.

Unfortunately, the attendees won't just remember the event for the excellent speakers and new contacts. The eruption and ensuing cloud of ash from the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull provided a once in a lifetime travel story as almost all the airports in Europe were closed for several days. Beginning Saturday evening (16 April), after the sightseeing tour of Istanbul ended, the hotel lobby was full of people talking, consulting each other and the hotel about the latest information, cancellations, possible travel options and if it was possible to extend their hotel reservations.

We'd like to here your story. Click here for more information or go to the ELIA LinkedIn Group site.

Pictures from the event have been posted on the ELIA Facebook Group page.

Conference Theme:

(more) Tools of the Trade: There is more to the business of translation than just CAT tools

ELIA is very pleased to announce Networking Days Istanbul to be held 15-17 April 2010. This will be the eighth Networking Days organized by ELIA and one of the best. The program features three tracks with four sessions each day, providing both the in-depth, applicable know-how of ELIA's characteristic full-day workshops and informative introductions to topics, products and services less familiar during the fifteen thought-provoking sessions.

ND Istanbul's six tracks over the first two days offer a unique opportunity to:

• familiarize yourself with some of the recent innovations and improvements to make a splash in the industry,
• learn how to improve a company's sales/marketing and communication,
• discover the pros and cons of the standard tools used by most LSPs - translation memories and project/business management programs - from companies that actually make use of the programs every day,
• finally make sense of some of those online services that everyone else seems to know how to use,
• improve your management skills from a professional management consultant, and
• develop an understanding of regional differences that can impact the way you do business.

As suggested by the title of this biannual signature ELIA event, the three days are not only about session and workshops. The program is filled with both organized and informal time to network. Extra time is built into the daily schedule to provide attendees the time to meet and continue conversations begun over breaks and lunch. Thursday evening will feature the ELIA Networking Cocktail and an optional dinner is available on the Friday. For Saturday's program, the group will depart in the morning for a great opportunity to get to know each other while taking in the sights of Istanbul during a guided tour of the incredibly enchanting city. Don't miss it!

For more additional information about the most of the sessions and workshops visit the program page.

Dates to Remember

• January 2010 - Registration Opens
• 12 March 2010 - Early Bird Registration Ends
• 10 April 2010 - Registration Ends
• 15 April 2010 - First day of ND Istanbul

Return to this website to keep up-to-date on the latest developments. If you don't already receive updates on ND Istanbul and other ELIA programs you are encouraged to join the ELIA mailing list.