How Associations Can Better Communicate with Multilingual Audiences

Learn how Associations can create an inclusive experience for all languages immediately using remote simultaneous interpretation like Interpro provided at the 2024 Holiday Showcase.

Hosting an event, conference, or web meeting in two (or a hundred) different languages may seem like an incredibly difficult task.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Associations and member-driven organizations are being called to do more than ever before – not just in the services they offer, but in how they communicate. For organizations with multilingual member bases, the ability to share information inclusively across languages is no longer a luxury. It’s essential.

To help member-driven organizations understand the easy and powerful it can be to host an event in multiple languages at the same time, the Interpro team recently ventured to Holiday Showcase in Chicago, IL to showcase translation and interpreting solutions.

Whether you’re planning a multi-track conference, managing a virtual member meeting, or publishing content for your community, ensuring your message is accessible in multiple languages is critical to fostering engagement, equity, and belonging. At Interpro, we’ve seen firsthand how language can either become a barrier or a bridge – and we’re here to make sure it’s always the latter.

The Language Challenges for Associations

Association leaders often wear many hats: event planner, membership coordinator, content creator, and strategic advisor. Amid all of this, multilingual communication can feel like yet another complex layer to manage.

Here are some of the most common pain points we hear from professionals in this space:

• Events that lack live interpretation, leaving non-English speakers out of the conversation
• Translated materials that feel stiff, outdated, or inconsistent across formats
• Difficulty finding reliable partners for remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) during virtual meetings
• Internal uncertainty about when and how to localize websites, brochures, or member communications

It’s not a question of whether associations want to be inclusive – most do. The challenge is how to operationalize language inclusion without overwhelming staff or compromising quality.

Partnering for Translation & Interpreting Success

That’s where a trusted language partner comes in. At Interpro, we specialize in helping associations navigate these complexities with ease. Whether you’re preparing for your annual conference or launching a new digital platform, we help you design communication strategies that account for your entire audience – no matter what language they speak.

During the 2024 Holiday Showcase, hosted by the Association Forum, we supported three live sessions with remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) in Spanish and captioning in English and Spanish, ensuring that every attendee had equitable access to the information shared. This wasn’t just a tech solution—it was a values-driven choice, and the impact was immediate.

Association Forum recognized the value of this inclusive experience, and so did the attendees. Our seamless coordination with interpretation teams, speaker tech support, and captioning services ensured every voice was heard, and every message was understood.

Making Membership Communications Multilingual

Beyond events, association professionals are increasingly reevaluating their core communication touchpoints. From websites and membership brochures to monthly newsletters, magazines, and governance documents, the need for culturally accurate and professionally translated materials is clear.

One standout example is our work with the Association Forum’s FORUM Magazine. Each edition features translated and localized content that reflects the Forum’s core values, presented in a way that resonates across linguistic and cultural lines. These aren’t just translations—they’re conversations tailored for every audience.

With our help, associations aren’t just translating—they’re transforming how they connect with their members.

Document Translation of Association Forum’s Core Values

When Language is Part of the Experience

While our work is rooted in precision and professionalism, we also understand the value of connection and joy in the association world. One of the most talked-about highlights from the 2024 Holiday Showcase was none other than Buddy the Elf himself—spreading cheer, candy, and yes, a few multilingual greetings.

“The best way to spread holiday cheer is interpreting loud for all to hear!”
— Buddy the Elf, honorary Interpro ambassador

Buddy’s presence reminded everyone of the power of shared experiences. At Interpro, we believe language is what makes those experiences truly shared. Whether it’s a breakout session, a digital newsletter, or an annual gala, we ensure that your messaging isn’t just delivered – it’s understood, appreciated, and acted on by everyone.

Find Your Best Friend in Language Services

We don’t just provide interpreting and translation services. We become an extension of your team. We understand how associations operate, from the planning stages of an event to the final print of a board packet. We anticipate your needs, ask the right questions, and deliver solutions that make you look good.

Whether you need:

• Interpreting for events, conferences, or virtual meetings
• Translation of membership materials like brochures, newsletters, or web content
• Real-time captioning for accessibility
• Guidance on language strategy for your DEI goals

Interpro can support you through all of it.

Host Your Next Event, Meeting, or Conference in Every Language

The future of association leadership is inclusive, multilingual, and community-driven. Let us help you get there.

Contact Interpro today to make your next event or member communication truly multilingual—and truly meaningful.