MET: Day Three

MET Day Three: Stimulating from start to finish! 🌟📚

Saturday kicked off with Susan’s session “How to give constructive feedback to writers (or anyone)”, which included roleplays as client and editor. It really got me thinking that choosing the right words and putting yourself in others’ shoes is key to giving feedback and communicating effectively.

Next up was Gabriela’s talk on ‘Choosing less-travelled paths to new clients and collaborations’. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I went with an open mind and her talk really was encouraging us to try unexplored markets, how we can do it and what obstacles we may face.

After a group photo in the beautiful courtyard, it was time for coffee — well-deserved! ☕

Clare Vassallo’s session “Translation in a tourism and heritage landscape: a pragmatic view” was right up my street as this is my specialisation. It highlighted how much potential is slipping through the nets, and Simon’s point “I don’t think the translators are the issue, I think clients are” really stuck with me. It’s a reminder that clients don’t always see the full value we bring to helping them reach international audiences.

Dorothy Kenny’s “Dancing with the devil? On the use of AI in literary translation and beyond” was a timely session, sparking fascinating discussions on AI in our work.

Lunch and mingling in the courtyard recharged our batteries, followed by Jules’ session “Clearly able: sensitive editing for texts on disability”, which led to thoughtful conversations about best practices and real-world challenges.

I finished the day with a lighthearted session: “Keeping the reader laughing: translating puns and wordplay” with Rachel was a perfect way to flex those creative muscles!

The afternoon wrapped up with the AGM and raffle. I wasn’t lucky this time, but I’m excited that next year’s conference will be in Perugia, Italy!

Another choir rehearsal led into the end-of-conference dinner — drinks, music, choir performances, and even a bit of dancing. 💃🎶

My MET takeaway: what a lovely bunch of people! Thank you to all of you, this experience is one which will stay with me for a very long time.