Musings from an overworked translator

Buddies and Newbies October 11, 2023

The ATA conference (ATA64) is in a couple weeks, from October 25-28, 2023, in Miami, Florida. I keep getting emails advertising various events, even though I’m not attending this year. Today’s email was all about Networking, and one of the events is Buddies and Newbies. I used to offer a session on tips for first-time attendees every year, which got replaced by Buddies and Newbies. It really is a great opportunity for first-time attendees to pair up with a seasoned conference attendee and get some tips and meet some people so they aren’t overwhelmed walking into the Welcome Event. Newbies and Buddies go to one session and one meal together so that Newbies can ask questions and Buddies can offer personalized advice. Newbies receive extra support as they navigate the sessions and events, while Buddies are rewarded knowing they made someone feel welcome at their first conference. Who knows, you might even make a life-long friend like I did. I attended my newbie’s wedding in Minneapolis two weekends ago. I met Joe 10 years ago at ATA54 in San Antonio, and we became fast friends. He was one of my lifelines during the pandemic, playing online games and attending my virtual cocktail hours. So if you are attending the conference for the first time—or even the 11th time—be sure to attend the Buddies and Newbies event right before the Welcome Event. You never know who you might meet.