By Paloma Artigas
The American Translators Association’s 66th Annual Conference, held in Boston from October 22-25, 2025, was—as always—a fantastic opportunity to network, reconnect with old friends from past events, grow as language professionals, and explore a city rich in history. However, this year felt a bit different; a recurring theme in many sessions and one-on-one conversations was the issue on everyone’s mind: artificial intelligence. In a year marked by rapid technological advancements and a shift both exciting and daunting, ATA members shared their knowledge, faced their fears, and brainstormed about what the future holds.
During one of our outings in the beautiful city of Boston, a group of us gathered for dinner at The Oyster House, the country’s oldest restaurant. Our server, after hearing what we were in town for, asked a question that went straight to the point: “What’s going to happen to your industry now that AI is here?” Our answer? “That’s exactly what we’re here to figure out.”
Questions about AI and translation extend beyond a translator’s perspective; they are also part of public awareness. Clients, potential clients, and even our friendly restaurant server are wondering (or questioning) whether human translators are still needed. This perception issue came up in several sessions. Several speakers noted that, while AI is far from perfect, clients might see it as an easy fix that makes human translators unnecessary. This creates a dual challenge for our profession. While it’s vital that we educate ourselves on when and how to use this technology to our advantage, we also need to inform our clients and the broader public about the risks of overreliance on AI-generated translations at the expense of accuracy and nuance.
There was a wide range of perspectives at the AI-focused sessions, highlighting the complexity of answering the key question: where our profession is headed now. Some focused on the technical side, exploring best practices for working with large language models. Others took a practical approach, providing an overview of the multiple tools that integrate AI and their benefits, from helping linguists manage their workflow to integrating new technology with CAT tools. Of particular interest were the sessions that discussed how to adapt our services and career goals to enhance our work rather than replace it. Conversely, there were sessions that emphasized the importance of specialized areas where human translation will still have an edge over AI: fields requiring cultural expertise, nuance, creativity, and high-stakes translations where data privacy and accuracy are essential. I was impressed by the range of approaches, which together gave us a more complete and nuanced view.
Beyond the formal sessions, casual conversations over coffee (or a fresh lobster roll at James Hook & Co.) reminded me of the importance of this yearly opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, network, and strengthen our community, especially during a time of significant change and uncertainty. Each year, I am amazed by the diversity within the translation profession. As I spoke with colleagues who had shifted from careers in law, medicine, engineering, and many other fields, I realized that we possess vital strengths to face new challenges. Translators are highly adaptable professionals who continually learn outside their comfort zones. To thrive in our careers, we must be skilled at navigating different worlds, easily shifting between cultures and fields, and diving deep into specialized knowledge. These skills are valuable because they will enable us to adapt again, learn new things, and incorporate AI while maintaining the human touch that makes us unique.
ATA 66 was a memorable conference with great food, interesting places to visit, and friendly Bostonians. We enjoyed each other’s company while playing a lively (and very competitive!) trivia game, sharing thoughts over coffee, welcoming new attendees, and meeting potential clients at the job fair. The event also carried a new energy often linked to change: some of it was anxious, but much of it was focused. This focused, deliberate energy grows when we all roll up our sleeves and decide to be in this together; to learn from each other’s strengths and support one another as we build a new chapter for our profession. I’m reminded of The Oyster House, a historic landmark established in 1826 that continues to thrive in 2025. It’s fitting that a conference exploring the future took place in a city rich in history: a reminder that our centuries-old profession can evolve once again.
Paloma Artigas is a freelance translator and linguistic validation consultant with over 20 years of experience. She obtained a Specialized Certificate in Translation (Spanish/English) from UC San Diego Extension and a B.A. in Art History and Criticism with a minor in Studio Art from Stony Brook University in New York. Born in Australia and raised in Venezuela, she currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.
