The second Rencontres de la traduction et de l’interprétation (RTI) was held from 29 to 31 March 2025 in Dijon, France.
With more than 200 industry professionals taking part over three days, this biennial French-language conference organised by the Société française des traducteurs (SFT) has earned its place among the leading T&I industry events in Europe exclusively for self-employed translators and interpreters.
Attendees enjoyed a packed programme running from the Saturday to the Monday, including:
- an inspiring speech in support of our professions from Nadjoua Belhadef, Deputy Mayor of Dijon;
- an opening session on issues shared by the sector’s professional associations (six of which were on the panel);
- a gala dinner;
- an exhibition hall for conference sponsors and partners all day on the Sunday;
- the opportunity to have professional headshots taken;
- a networking competition and a raffle, with prizes donated by sponsors;
- fifteen workshops to choose from over five sessions, covering topics as diverse as project management, copyright, interpreters’ practice groups, public speaking, transcreation, inclusive French, legal translation and court interpreting, translators’ collectives, medical translation, marketing, plain language, career changes, AI, and science fiction;
- a closing session to present the findings of a working group set up to examine how agencies and freelancers work together. The group, which comprised the SFT, the Chambre nationale des entreprises de traduction (CNET), and the multilingual SEO agency Contentactic, has laid the foundation for a charter of collaboration best practices for the language services sector;
- sightseeing showcasing Dijon’s gems, with several guided tours (International City of Gastronomy and Wine, ‘Dijon Discovery’ and ‘Secrets of Dijon’s Streets’), and even a workshop for making genuine Dijon mustard.
This second event of its kind offered attendees the opportunity to hone their professional skills, explore Burgundy, and network with colleagues from all over the world who work in French.
So, if you translate from French and like the idea of learning more about a region of France, perfecting your working language by networking with peers and taking advantage of a varied CPD programme, or if you translate into French and are keen to take part in one of the most notable T&I events in France, then look no further! The Rencontres should be returning for a third time in 2027 to mark SFT’s 80th anniversary. More news coming soon in Translatio!
The SFT Board
