At first glance, interpretation might seem like a standalone service, something you add on once the AV is sorted, the stage is built, and the schedule is finalised. But in reality, interpretation only works when it’s deeply integrated into your AV and event production from the very beginning.
For multilingual events, this integration is not a technical luxury; it’s essential. Without it, even the most skilled interpreters can’t do their job properly. The sound doesn’t reach them clearly. The audience hears delays or static. And the message, no matter how powerful, gets lost in translation. At EMS Communications, we’ve seen how poor coordination between interpretation and AV can undermine even the best-planned international conferences and hybrid events. So let’s look at how you can avoid that and make your multilingual event production truly seamless.
Why AV and interpretation must work together
When simultaneous interpretation is delivered through poor-quality audio or when equipment compatibility issues disrupt communication, the impact on the audience is immediate. Attendees struggle to follow the content, interpreters miss key phrases, and the event quickly loses momentum. By contrast, a well-integrated AV and interpretation setup ensures that every voice is heard, clearly, in real time, and in the right language.
This integration enhances accessibility and inclusivity, especially for international delegates. It also projects professionalism. When your interpretation services work smoothly with your audio-visual systems, your event doesn’t just function; it feels elevated. Audiences engage more fully, and your speakers connect across language barriers with confidence.
The technical side matters too. Interpretation booths, consoles, transmitters, and delegate headsets all require power, space planning, and AV compatibility. If these elements aren’t mapped out during early production, they become logistical headaches. But with proper planning, they fold naturally into the event design, part of the floor plan, the tech checks, and the rehearsal process.
Start planning integration early
The best way to ensure successful integration is to bring interpretation providers, AV teams, and production managers into the same room from the outset. Discussing languages, event formats, interpretation styles (simultaneous, consecutive, whispered), and equipment needs early on saves hours of confusion later.
Too often, event interpretation is treated as a last-minute add-on. But trying to fit an interpretation around an existing AV setup is like installing the engine after the car is built; it’s far less effective and much more stressful. Early coordination means better cable routing, clearer signal paths, cleaner sightlines, and fewer surprises during live delivery.
Assign a point person for interpretation tech
Smooth communication between the interpretation team and the AV crew is critical, especially during high-stakes live events. Assigning a dedicated interpretation technician, someone who understands both systems, can make all the difference. This role involves managing interpreter audio feeds, syncing channels, overseeing booth setup, and troubleshooting any live tech issues.
With EMS Communications, we always assign an interpretation liaison as part of our multilingual event support. This ensures no detail slips through the cracks, and that interpretation isn’t just functional, but fluid.
Choose the right interpretation equipment, and test it properly
Choosing the right Interpretation equipment is about more than specs; it’s about context. Interpreter booths should be soundproof and placed with direct sightlines to the stage or screen. Consoles must sync with the AV desk. Wireless transmitters need reliable signal strength across the venue. Audience headsets must be comfortable, clear, and fully charged.
It’s not enough to test each element in isolation. You need to test the entire AV and interpretation system as one unit. Can your AV microphones feed cleanly into interpreter consoles? Are receivers picking up signals at the back of the room? Are interpreters hearing the speaker’s voice without delay or echo? These details define whether your live interpretation enhances your event or disrupts it.
Rehearsals are just as important for interpreters
For truly professional multilingual events, the rehearsal should include not only speakers and AV technicians but also interpreters. This is your chance to test everything under live-like conditions, interpreters hearing the speaker, signal strength across the room, latency between original speech and translation, and visibility to the stage or visual cues.
Where possible, interpreters should be introduced to speakers ahead of time. Familiarity with accents, speaking pace, and subject matter leads to better fluency and fewer hesitations during the actual event. This is especially true for international conferences, where specialist terminology or unfamiliar phrasing can affect interpretation accuracy.
On-site coordination is critical on the day
Even with thorough planning, live event interpretation demands real-time coordination. Everyone involved, AV team, interpreters, and stage managers, needs access to the full run-of-show, including cue points for interpretation, interpreter handover timings, and backup procedures.
At EMS Communications, we use shared backstage comms (from radios to WhatsApp channels) and clearly marked show scripts to keep every team aligned. This ensures quick issue resolution without disrupting the audience experience. For hybrid events, don’t forget your livestream integration; remote interpreters need strong audio feeds, backup internet connections, and a clear point of contact.
Mistakes to avoid when combining AV and interpretation
Some of the most common errors in multilingual event production stem from underestimating how sensitive interpretation is to AV quality. Booking interpreters late often limits language availability. Using incompatible AV gear can render interpretation systems useless. Skipping full rehearsals increases the risk of live disruption. And relying solely on Wi-Fi for remote interpretation is a gamble you don’t want to take.
At EMS, we build interpretation integration into our production timeline, not after the fact, but as part of the event’s DNA. That’s how we help clients avoid last-minute panics and ensure that interpretation works as a natural part of the event, not as a clunky bolt-on.
The takeaway
Interpretation services are essential to any event that speaks across borders. But to be effective, they must be more than an afterthought. They must be designed into the core of your event production, aligned with your AV setup, rehearsed with your speakers, and supported by professionals who understand the technical and human elements of communication.With EMS Communications, your AV production and interpretation services are delivered as one unified solution, so that your message doesn’t just translate, it resonates.