Apply to speak at the Direct Client Summit!
Hello! We’re thrilled you’re interested in speaking at the Direct Client Summit from June 30 - July 2, 2026!
Over the last 5 years, we’ve run 8 Summits for translators and interpreters, helping over 44,500 colleagues discuss some of the most cutting-edge topics in our profession.
We’re excited that you’d like to speak at this year’s summit, where we’ll be exploring smart strategies to get seen, get trusted, and get more direct clients..
This page includes plenty of information to explain what we ask of speakers, and what’s in it for you.
If you’re interested in speaking, please apply using this form.
DEADLINE: May 13, 2026.
What is the Direct Client Summit?
As AI accelerates and global dynamics shift, many freelance translators and interpreters have seen their workloads shrink.
But high-quality clients haven’t disappeared – the way we reach them has simply evolved.
The Direct Client Summit brings our global community together to rethink client outreach and uncover smarter, more effective ways to connect, land, and engage with ideal clients.
That’s where you come in.
Your expertise will help fellow professionals navigate this changing landscape, refine their approach to client outreach and discover smart strategies to connect and convert.
Thank you for being here to innovate, support, and inspire.
How will the summit work?
The Direct Client Summit will run from June 30 - July 2, 2026 and will include presentations, interactive spotlight sessions, giveaways, and more.
Presentations
Every summit day will include 5-6 pre-recorded presentations or interviews.
We’d like each presentation to be short (15-20 minutes) - so people can fit them in around other commitments, including translation and interpreting assignments - and actionable - so participants walk away with at least one concrete step they can take immediately after the presentation.
With that goal in mind, we’ll subtitle all the presentations and create accompanying resources that will be available as part of the Power Pack.
Spotlight Sessions
Each day will also include a spotlight session with one or more experts, focusing on proven ways to uncover and reach out to direct clients.
These pre-recorded sessions will lead to in-depth, interactive discussions on some of the most cutting-edge topics in translation.
Community
In our summit community, participants can network, draw inspiration from each other, and get answers to their questions.
We’ll also bring non-traditional approaches to encourage participants to share their own innovative ideas and grow together.
TOPIC IDEAS
We’re looking for presentations on the following topics:
Direct client research
Using social media to find direct clients
Using AI to find direct clients
Pitching direct clients via email
Non-traditional pitching techniques
Getting referrals/testimonials from existing clients
Networking (at client events, among your network of contacts, how to network for introverts, etc.)
New services / diversification
Nudging existing clients
Developing a CRM / client follow-up system
Positioning yourself as a subject matter expert
Pricing strategies for the direct client market Specific marketing techniques that have worked well for you
Developing a business mindset
Chatbots on your website / WhatsApp for Business
Making the most of association memberships
Anything techie (digital business cards, email signatures, invoicing and quoting hacks, website tips, etc.)
Getting seen by direct clients
How to keep your spirits up in difficult times
We are also open to other proposals – tell us about the creative, useful ways you are working with direct clients!
Your presentation
Your presentation will be pre-recorded. It should be short, friendly and approachable. Please structure your content in a way that allows attendees to walk away feeling like they've really learned something. You’ll find lots of tips in our How to give online presentations that don’t suck webinar, audio and video webinar, and in this blog post on the right sound and the right look.
What should your presentation be like?
Your presentation should last 15-20 minutes. Slides are optional.
This summit is all about taking action. Please prepare an accompanying worksheet that helps participants implement what you’ve shared.
You’ll find templates for slides and worksheets in the Resources section below.
The SUBMISSION DEADLINE for your presentation, slides and worksheet is June 1, 2026. Please respect this deadline to give us enough time to get everything ready.
Your presentation should include relevant, actionable content. Here’s the suggested format:
A short introduction
An overview of your topic and why it’s relevant
Your teaching, ideally presented in three to five key ideas
Specific action steps
Optionally, take a minute or two at the end of your presentation to tell attendees how they can continue learning with you.
Want to see a previous presentation?
Anne-Sophie de Clercq - Take the busy out of business: Three surefire tips to boost your productivity (worksheet)
These examples are from the 2021 Innovation in Translation Summit. Please also check out the worksheets above!
What’s in it for me?
In appreciation of your time and effort, we will pay each speaker an honorarium of 200 USD.
In addition, all speakers are invited to join the affiliate program, where you can earn additional income by referring participants who purchase the Power Pack.
The summit also offers an opportunity to expand your network and build exposure. Last year, we had over 5000 registrants!
All speakers will also get free access to the Power Pack, which includes summit replays and bonuses.
Finally, you are welcome to reuse your presentation recording in any way you’d like in the future.
How we will support you
We’re just a WhatsApp message or an email away. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns at any time.
We will provide presentation guidelines, a speaker checklist, slide templates in Google Slides or Powerpoint format (you can of course use your own branded slide), a worksheet template, and social media graphics so you can promote the event.
We’ll also hold a networking session so speakers can get to know each other before the summit. Drop by to get to know each other, have some fun, and get answers to any questions you may have. Stay tuned for the link!
How to record your presentation
Below are a few great options. Don’t forget to turn on your webcam so you can really connect with your audience. Once the recording is done, just share it with us and we’ll take care of the rest.
Record right inside PowerPoint. When you’re done preparing your slides, just enter recording mode, make sure the webcam is active, and get started.
Record using your Zoom account (the free tier works, too). Create a slide deck (using PowerPoint, Keynote, Google Slides, etc.) and then start a Zoom meeting - with just yourself - to deliver your talk. Make sure to choose “Cloud Recording.” Make sure to share your screen to get high-res video (Pro tip: Even if you’re not using slides, hit record, share your screen, then unshare to get the highest resolution video.) The final recording will be available online in your Zoom account.
How the Power Pack works
We’ve also set up an affiliate program for the Power Pack where you’ll receive a 40% commission from all sales generated by people you refer.
We’ll send you the info to sign up for an affiliate link during the first week of June.
As with all affiliate promotions, be sure to disclose that you’re an affiliate when sharing with your audience.
Payouts will begin on July 15, 2026.
The Power Pack provides an even better summit experience, with early and unlimited access to every presentation, including worksheets, slides and other material, a private podcast of every session for on-the-go listening, and a Get It Done Week to help you take action on what you’re learning and start reaching out to direct clients right after the Summit.
We will likely sell the Power Pack for:
49€ – special offer for 20 minutes after picking up a free ticket
69€ – early-bird pricing before the Summit starts
99€ – standard price
We will also offer the possibility to pay in two installments or request financial aid.
Live participation
When the event week rolls around, we’ll already have done the work of creating the presentations and extra resources. We’ll mostly be able to enjoy the experience and learn!
Your presentation will be released on one of the three days of the summit. Stay tuned for the schedule!
Each day of the summit, the day’s presentations will go live at 10 AM CEST and be available for free for 24 hours on the summit platform.
Participants can ask written questions on the platform after watching your presentation. You’ll get notifications when questions and comments are posted.
We’d be delighted if you could head over to the summit platform on the day of your presentation to answer these written questions from participants.
Questions will come in over the course of the day, so you can answer them at the time that’s best for you!
Promotion
Leading up to the summit, we’ll have two weeks of promotion. We’ll share social media graphics to make this easy for you!
We encourage all of our speakers to share on social media, mailing lists or other channels (if applicable) during the promotion period, from June 16 - 29, and during the Summit, from June 30 - July 2.
Make sure to include your affiliate link so you can earn 40% commissions from any Power Pack sales that come through your network. We’ll send you the info to sign up for an affiliate link when the promotion period starts.
KEY DATES
May 13, 2026: Speaker application deadline. Apply using this form.
May 15, 2026: Speaker application results will be announced via email.
June 1, 2026: Presentations, slides and worksheets due
June 30-July 2, 2026: Direct Client Summit
FAQs
Did we miss anything? Drop us an email at info@ai-in-translation.com!
Is the summit free to attend?
Yes! Attendees can sign up for free and watch all presentations as they launch. Each presentation will be available to non-paying attendees for 24 hours.
What's the incentive to buy the Power Pack?
Power Packs will grant attendees unlimited access to every presentation, worksheets and slide decks for each presentation, a private podcast of every training to listen on the go, entry in daily giveaways, and a Get It Done Week to take action on reaching out to direct clients after the Summit.
How much does a Power Pack cost?
49€ – special offer for 20 minutes after attendees pick up a free ticket
69€ – early-bird price before the Summit starts
99€ – standard price
FREE for all speakers, of course!
Will I be “live” at all during the summit?
All speaker presentations are pre-recorded. That allows us to subtitle them for accessibility and to prepare accompanying materials.
We invite you to interact with participants in our pop-up Summit community.
How long should my presentation be?
15-20 minutes. Please keep it short and actionable!
What should I use to create my presentation?
Whatever you’re most comfortable with. 😁 Google Slides, Keynote, PowerPoint, and Canva are some great options.
Is there an affiliate program?
Yes! As a speaker, we encourage you to join the affiliate program and use your affiliate link when promoting your participation in the summit. You’ll earn a 40% commission on Power Packs bought through your affiliate link.
When can I start promoting the summit?
We will begin our initial promotion around June 9, and would like to ask all speakers to wait a week so we can iron out the kinks. 😅 We’d love it if you’d promote the summit starting on June 16.