The Future of AI-Powered Interpretation at Events
The buzz around AI may have softened slightly in the latter half of 2024, but its dominance in technological advancements remains undeniable. One area where AI has excelled is dictation—the ability to convert spoken words into digital text in real time with minimal human intervention. This progress has been so seamless that most users hardly notice how much the technology has evolved.
While AI-driven voice recognition is now a standard feature in smart homes, its role in the commercial domain is still expanding. Having facilitated major global and government summits for over 30 years, DLC Events is uniquely positioned to explore the potential of AI-powered interpretation at high-profile gatherings.
AI-Powered Interpretation at the EMT Global Meeting
In early November 2024, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) hosted the Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in collaboration with the EMT Network, this annual event brought together national and international organizations, academic institutions, and humanitarian agencies involved in global health emergency response.
To ensure smooth communication across plenary sessions and six parallel breakout rooms, the DoH enlisted DLC Events to provide simultaneous language translation in the UN’s six official languages over three days. Given the logistical and financial challenges of traditional onsite interpretation, the DoH sought a scalable and cost-effective alternative.
AI Interpretation in Action
DLC Events proposed an AI-powered solution through its strategic partnership with Interprefy, a leading provider of remote interpretation technology. Having pioneered AI-driven speech translation in the Middle East since the pandemic, DLC Events leveraged its expertise to implement an innovative setup for the EMT Global Meeting.
The team installed Shure digital infrared (IR) transmission systems in all meeting rooms, allowing delegates to access translated audio using industry-standard receivers. Instead of traditional interpretation booths, interpreters worked remotely using laptops equipped with Dante Virtual Soundcards. The event’s audio was streamed to Interprefy’s platform, where AI engines generated real-time translations. These were routed through an audio panel, converted to analog using a Glensound Dark88 AoIP interface, and then transmitted via the IR system.
AI vs. Human Interpreters
While AI interpretation is still an emerging technology, DLC Events’ Mark Breakspear acknowledges its growing relevance. “The frequency of use is still very low right now since it is an emerging technology and not particularly common,” he explains. “It is not a like-for-like replacement for interpretation, but for some cases, such as EMT, a number of barriers exist.”
Clients are increasingly interested in AI solutions after witnessing impressive demonstrations. “In my experience, almost all are blown away by the initial demos; however, understandably, there is a lot of concern about accuracy,” says Breakspear. “When the conditions are right, the accuracy is impressive, and I believe we’ll see more demand and uptake over the coming years.”
Despite AI’s rapid advancements, human interpreters remain indispensable. “It is a very different solution to humans,” Breakspear clarifies. “It is a literal translation of one audio source, so whatever is said onstage is translated, rather than the accurate in-depth summarization that interpreters deliver. It works well with prepared speeches, training sessions, and structured meetings but lacks efficiency during panel discussions or events that rely heavily on cultural nuances and context.”
A Cost-Effective Future for Event Interpretation
DLC Events views AI interpretation as a valuable tool rather than a replacement for human interpreters. “We see it as an option when human interpreters are not feasible due to logistical or financial constraints,” says Breakspear. While AI technology is improving rapidly, it will never surpass the expertise and contextual awareness of professional interpreters.
For clients like the DoH, AI-powered interpretation presents an attractive alternative. DLC Events successfully executed the EMT Global Meeting project on less than a week’s notice, reducing costs by over 80% by eliminating the need for international interpreters and associated travel expenses.
“As a forward-thinking company, we are always eager to embrace the latest technology,” Breakspear concludes. “This project highlights how cutting-edge AI technology, combined with DLC Events’ expertise, is redefining the possibilities for language services at events in the region.”
Article by Pro AVL MEA, read the full magazine here
