By María Paula Plazas
The Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) is the UK’s professional association for translators, interpreters, and language service providers.
Like other professional associations, ITI offers resources and training, and has subgroups called “networks” based on language, region, and translation specialization. It also has several membership categories, ranging from students to professional translators and interpreters, classified according to years of experience and whether or not they have passed the ITI certification exam (“Qualified” Members, MITI).
One of ITI’s most important events is its conference, held every two years, for two days, in a different UK city each time. This year, EX:CHANGE 2026 took place on July 1 and 2, in Milton Keynes, England.
Conference Format and Venue
Until the previous conference, ITI followed a traditional format featuring various presentations, EX:CHANGE 2026 was different, focusing on attendee participation. In 2026, ITI celebrated its 40th anniversary; to mark the occasion and in light of recent changes in the industry, the institute decided to hold a conference with a fresh approach. Instead of a format where one person speaks and the rest listen, this year featured expert panels, followed by group discussions and keynote speakers. The entire conference was organized around three main themes: ethical practice, entrepreneurship and business development, and engaging with clients.
The panelists and keynote speakers presented in a single auditorium (so that all attendees were in the same place). After the panels, we moved to another room with tables set up for 8 to 10 people to discuss topics in small groups.
One unique and entertaining aspect of the event was the presence of poet and comedian Kate Fox, who attended the conference and captured the conversations that arose over the two days, in the form of poems.
The conference was held at Unity Place, an office and conference center. The only event held elsewhere was the conference dinner, which took place at the Leonardo Hotel Milton Keynes.
Cost of Attending
Attending the conference was a significant investment. Prices for EX:CHANGE 2026 varied depending on the type of ticket:
- All-inclusive ticket (conference and anniversary dinner): £570 for members and £630 for non-members.
- Conference-only ticket (without the anniversary dinner): £474 for members and £534 for non-members.
Both tickets included access to both days of the conference and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday at the Unity Place food market. In addition, welcome coffee and coffee breaks were provided throughout the two days, including hot beverages and snacks. The all-inclusive ticket also covered the anniversary dinner on Wednesday night.
Networking Opportunities
In addition to the coffee breaks and group discussions, there were two other networking opportunities. One was a welcome reception on Tuesday afternoon, which cost £10 per person. The other was the anniversary dinner on Wednesday. In addition, some networks organized off-site events or gatherings during conference breaks.
My Experience
As a medical translator, I found this conference to be an enriching experience because I met several translators working in the same areas as I do. Connecting with colleagues who share similar professional interests gave me the opportunity to exchange experiences and discuss the challenges we encounter in our work. The conference’s intimate format also made it easier to build meaningful connections that I hope will continue beyond the event.
María Paula Plazas, CT is an ATA-certified English-to-Spanish translator, a subtitle creator with a master’s degree in audiovisual translation, and a certified translator by the U.K.-based Institute of Translation and Interpreting. She is the founder of MediVerba, a medical translation company specializing in clinical trials, health insurance, and employee benefits. She served as administrator and assistant administrator of the American Translators Association (ATA) Medical Division from 2021 to 2025, and was the recipient of ATA’s Rising Star award in 2023. Contact: info@mediverba.com.