You are hosting a high-profile conference in London. Delegates are flying in from all over: Paris, Madrid, Beijing. Your keynote speaker takes the stage and starts strong… but your French guests can’t follow. The Spanish-speaking team misses key takeaways. The Mandarin-speaking attendees are lost.
The result? Confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.
This is why conference interpreting is not just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for any multilingual event.
And in a global city like London, where international delegates are common, multilingual support is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a corporate summit, government meeting, training session, or university seminar, you need the right conference interpreting partner.
But now the question is: how do you choose the right conference interpreting company? Let’s discuss the top qualities to look for in a conference interpreting company in London so your message reaches everyone in the room.
1. Fluency Is Not Enough – You Need Native-Level Interpreters
Speaking two languages does not make someone a professional interpreter. At conferences, especially high-stakes ones, you need interpreters who live in both languages… ideally, a native speaker of at least one.
Why this matters:
- They pick up on subtle tone shifts and idioms.
- They won’t mistranslate industry buzzwords or slang.
- They adapt quickly to regional accents or dialects.
Interpreters from reputable companies can distinguish between business terms used in Mexico and Spain; that’s the level you need.
2. Industry-Specific Interpreting Is A Must
One-size-fits-all never works in interpretation. A qualified interpreter for a pharmaceutical symposium likely won’t thrive at a legal policy forum.
You want interpreters who:
- Know sector-specific terms.
- Understand context beyond language.
- Stay updated on changes in regulations or trends.
If you are hosting an NHS roundtable, don’t settle for a generalist. Ask how the company matches interpreters to your event type, UK-wide. A seasoned provider will already have specialists on file.
3. Interpretation Equipment Must Be Provided (And Reliable)
Even the best interpreter can’t work without the right gear. Ensure the company can supply:
- Soundproof booths.
- Wireless headsets and receivers.
- Transmitters and microphones.
- Spare units and backups.
Companies like EMS Communications offer simultaneous interpretation equipment services (including on-site equipment setup and testing), along with highly skilled interpreters with 5+ years’ experience. That saves you the stress of hiring separate vendors who might not sync.
4. Look For Certified And Proven Interpreters
You would not hire an unlicensed electrician, right? The same logic applies here. Check if the interpreters hold certifications from bodies like:
- CIOL (Chartered Institute of Linguists)
- NRPSI (National Register of Public Service Interpreters)
- AIIC (International Association of Conference Interpreters)
Also ask:
- How many years of live conference experience do they have?
- Have they handled events with similar formats or audience size?
A top interpretation company in London will gladly share bios and references of past work; if they hesitate, that’s a red flag.
5. On-site Technical Support Is Non-Negotiable
Events are unpredictable. One faulty receiver or mic can derail everything.
That’s why the best interpretation companies have on-site tech support, not just remote helplines. At EMS Communications, for example, technicians attend the event in person. They test every channel, stay through keynotes, and can replace a headset in under 60 seconds. It’s the difference between a smooth show and a silent disaster.
6. Multilingual Capability And Flexibility
Even a mid-size London conference may require interpreting for five or more languages.
Ask:
- Can the company cover all required languages (Mandarin, French, Spanish, Arabic, German, etc.)?
- Can they set up multiple booths and rotate interpreters?
- Do they offer relay interpreting if needed?
EMS Communications once supported an event that needed both Arabic and Spanish interpretation, with only one interpreter booth available. Our seasoned team made it work via relay interpretation (interpreting from English to Spanish, then from Spanish to Arabic). That’s the kind of flexibility you should look for.
7. Transparent Pricing With Room To Scale
No one likes surprise fees, especially not during final invoice review.
Your interpretation provider should:
- Give a clear cost breakdown for interpreters, equipment, and support.
- Offer flexible packages based on event size and duration.
- Be upfront about weekend or last-minute surcharges.
If you are organising a hybrid conference with both live and virtual delegates, make sure pricing reflects that complexity.
8. Proven Track Record in London and the UK
Always check the company’s experience. Have they worked with:
- Central London venues (e.g., QEII Centre, The Shard, ExCeL)?
- Public sector clients (e.g., NHS, local councils)?
- Universities or NGOs?
A company with a strong UK footprint will already know local venue specs, AV policies, and how to coordinate with venue tech teams.
For example, EMS Communications has supported everything from corporate AGMs to multilingual academic summits across London and beyond. The flexibility and reliability come from having done it before successfully.
Key Takeaways Before You Sign The Contract
Use this final checklist when choosing a conference interpreting company in London:
- Native-level fluency with cultural awareness.
- Sector-specific knowledge and background.
- Reliable, provided interpretation equipment.
- Interpreter certifications (CIOL, NRPSI, AIIC).
- On-site technical support for setup and live troubleshooting.
- Multi-language capability for larger international events.
- Transparent, scalable pricing.
- Strong portfolio of events in London and across the UK.
Wrapping Up
Interpretation is more than just translating words; it’s about communicating the full message clearly, instantly, and accurately in a high-pressure environment. And in London, where international voices come together daily, your interpretation strategy can be the difference between a connected event and a confusing one.
If you want a hassle-free event, work with a trusted provider that offers both professional interpreters for conferences in the UK and modern interpretation equipment under one roof.
Companies like EMS Communications bring certified interpreters, top-tier equipment, and real-time support, making sure nothing is lost in translation.
So, contact us for expert interpreters and interpretation equipment rental in London and across the UK. Your message matters; make sure everyone hears it.