Global language services conference 2026
Shaping Our Future of Language Services
28-29 May 2026 | ‘s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Reflect on the latest developments in our rapidly changing language services industry and get ready for what’s coming round the corner. Connect with the professionals, thinkers and changemakers who are shaping the future. Meet LSPs, language service buyers, freelance linguists and technology providers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and across Europe and the world.
On 28-29 May 2026, VViN, the Netherlands Association of Interpreting and Translation Companies will join forces with the EUATC to spark conversation on the challenges and opportunities in the European language services landscape, to expand horizons beyond language by the word or by the hour, and to forge a common path towards a sustainable, prosperous future.
The Global Language Services Conference is a friendly, cross-industry gathering of industry colleagues with the objective of creating a platform for a diverse range of voices and shaping our future together.
Who is the conference for?
LSPs – Mix and mingle with industry peers and language service buyers, connect with freelancers from across the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, and find out what tech can do for you.
Language service buyers – Take the pulse of the European and global language services industry, meet LSPs and linguists, and take part in a constructive, forward-looking conversation.
Freelance translators and interpreters – Join the global conversation on the future of the language services industry, meet prospective LSP partners, and figure out what the skills of the future look like.
Technology providers – Dive into Dutch, Belgian and German language services, meet LSPs and linguists, and learn about the dynamics of the changing industry landscape in this market. Discover sponsorship and exhibitor options here.
Programme
Thursday May 28th 2026
Re-Imagined & Re-Engineered – The Transformation of Language Services
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Rudy Tirry and Raisa McNab | Setting the Scene |
| 15:00 - 16:00 | Marta Aragao | Innovation & Industry |
| 16:00 - 17:00 | Panel | Gazing into the Future |
| 18:00 - 20:00 | Dinner |
Friday May 29th 2026
Shaping Our Future of Language Services
| 09:30 - 10:00 | Check-in | Welcome Coffee |
| 10:00 - 10:15 | Opening | |
| 10:15 - 11:15 | Ilyaz Nasrullah | Keynote: AI, Innovation and Impact |
| 11:15 - 11:30 | Break | |
| 11:30 - 12:30 | Robert Martin - Magic Beans | Keynote: Reclaim the Narrative: Upskill, Adapt & Thrive |
| 12:30 - 13:00 | Buffi Duberman | Every learning journey starts with one word. |
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Networking lunch | |
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Maarten Korpershoek | Keynote: From Words to Workflows: Rethinking AI Translation |
| 15:00 - 15:30 | Breakout Session 1 & 2 | |
| 15:30 - 16:00 | Coffeebreak | With traditional Bossche Bol |
| 16:00 - 16:30 | Panel | The New Language Economy |
| 16:30 - 17:30 | Freek Van de Velde | Keynote: Dutch - a thoroughly WEIRD language |
| 17:30 - 17:45 | Final word | |
| 17:45 - 19:00 | Networking reception |
Saturday May 30th 2026
| Binnendieze Boattrip | ||
| City tour |
Buffi Duberman
Keynote speaker
Word Wardrobe Wizard, author and native New Yorker Buffi Duberman has spent more than half her life coaching non-native English speakers in their use of English. She’s a personal English coach to artists, CEOs and entrepreneurs, and her work has taken her to a variety of places and people including TV shows such as Idols and The X Factor. Buffi is a grammatical fairy, with a no-nonsense ‘rock-and-roll’ approach, so you’re in for 30 minutes of sheer language fun.
Ilyaz Nasrullah
Keynote speaker (Photo: Boudewijn Bollmann)
Digital strategist and Trouw columnist Ilyaz Nasrullah is one of the Netherlands’ leading experts when it comes to artificial intelligence and human-centred technology. With his innovative but above all no-nonsense perspective of digital technology developments, Ilyaz recognises the use and necessity of innovation, but doubts claims by major tech companies and the media that AI will shape the future of the linguistic profession. Get ready for an inspiring view on directing technological developments in the linguistic world.
Freek van de Velde
Keynote speaker
Freek Van de Velde, professor of Dutch linguistics and historical linguistics, can tell you all about how language can be a turn-off during a date. He knows better than anyone how language changes your body and soul, what role language plays in cultural differences and how language adapts and evolves. In his award-winning book ‘Wat taal verraadt’ (2024, Lannoo Campus), he shows how language is connected with region and climate and how written and spoken language influence each other.
Robert Martin
Keynote speaker
Robert Martin is the Founder of Magic Beans Agency with over 24 years in the global content and localization industry. He helps LSP teams acquire new skills in sales, go-to-market strategy, and business development through hands-on coaching and consulting. Robert is co-creator of the ‘Reclaim the Future’ AI upskilling programme, delivered in partnership with ATC, ALC, GALA, ELIA, EUATC, and CLIA, which has trained over 200 language service companies worldwide.He combines strategic vision with practical, people-first enablement to help LSPs transform and grow.
Hilde Mol-Lukkezen
Moderator
Moderator and language professional Hilde Mol-Lukkezen regularly shares her expertise at educational and industry events. As a former board member of the VViN, she remains involved in the wider translation community and also supports the next generation of language professionals and mentors young translators and students. An expert in the field, Hilde is renowned for her professional, serious approach and will ensure a balanced, fascinating programme.
Maarten Korpershoek
Keynote speaker
Maarten Korpershoek runs a translation agency in Istanbul, Turkey and has a background in comparative linguistics and Middle Eastern studies. He is passionate about tools and methods that enhance productivity and is actively exploring AI as the most promising technology in the field. Above all, he is intrigued by the potential of OpenAI’s custom GPTs for translation and localisation, and has developed several publicly available custom GPTs, including a self-learning translation tool.
Welcome to ’s-Hertogenbosch
Welcome to ’s-Hertogenbosch, or Den Bosch as the locals call it, one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. With its magnificent historical buildings and lively, exuberant atmosphere, the city has a rich history. Its most famous son is undoubtedly Hieronymous Bosch, who painted his masterpiece The Garden of Earthly Delights some 500 years ago just a few dozen metres from our conference site.
The heart of the city was founded in the 12th century and there’s still plenty to discover today. The stately Cathedral Church of St. John represents the zenith of Brabantine Gothic and isn’t to be missed. The picturesque medieval lanes and alleyways with their characteristic houses, the medieval city walls and the Binnendieze with its underground canal system are all also worth a visit.
The numerous pavement cafes and restaurants around the market square (Grote Markt) exude the lively atmosphere so typical of the southern Netherlands. And you really shouldn’t leave Den Bosch without tasting a Bossche bol, a local delicacy consisting of a large profiterole covered in melted chocolate and filled with whipped cream.
Enjoy your stay
The conference will take place in the Golden Tulip Hotel Central, right in the city center. Have a most comfortable stay and book your room here.
Book your room
Position your brand at the centre of the language services industry
The VViN Global Language Services Conference 2026 brings together language professionals and industry experts from across Europe and beyond.
By partnering with the conference, your organisation gains visibility among those shaping the future of translation, interpreting, and language services.
Engage with a high-quality professional audience and strengthen your position within the international language services community.
Good to know
Who is the conference for?
The conference is open to all language professionals: whether you’re a freelance translator, working at a translation agency, part of an organisation that deals with language services, or involved in interpreting, this event is for you.
Do I need to register in advance?
Yes, you need a ticket for the conference, which you can purchase on our website. Based in the Netherlands but not yet a member of VViN? Sign up to benefit from discounted ticket prices.
What are the times (check-in, start, end)?
On Thursday, check-in starts at 1:00 PM, with the programme starting at 2:00 PM and ending around 5:00 PM.
On Friday, check in starts at 9:00 AM. The programme starts at 10:00 AM and ends around 5:00 PM. There will be a dinner on Thursday evening, and a networking reception (borrel) on Friday.
Sticking around for the weekend? On Saturday, we’re offering a guided city tour and a canal cruise on the Binnendieze. A unique experience you truly don’t want to miss.
Where is the conference being held?
The event will take place in Den Bosch at the Golden Tulip Hotel Central, Markt 57. The hotel has its own parking garage (limited to 110 spaces) via Q-Park De Tolbrug, left entrance. If that’s full, you can use the regular Q-Park De Tolburg via the right entrance.
How do I get there?
By plane
Schiphol Airport
Direct trains run from Schiphol Airport to ‘s Hertogenbosch twice an hour. The journey takes an hour.
Eindhoven Airport
Take the bus from Eindhoven Airport to Eindhoven Centraal train station. From there, you can catch a direct train to ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The total journey takes about 50 minutes.
Public transport
It’s very easy to reach the Golden Tulip Hotel Central by public transport.
By train
The hotel is just 10 minutes’ walk from the train station.
Directions from the train station:
Leave the station through the main exit and go straight on along Stationsweg and then Visstraat. At the end of Visstraat, turn right onto Hogesteensweg and then take the second left towards the Market Square.
By bus
The closest bus stop to the hotel is less than 50 metres away.
By car
It’s easy to reach the hotel by car. You can park in the De Tolbrug multi-storey car park right next to the hotel. Enter the following address into your navigation system: Tolbrugstraat, ’s-Hertogenbosch.
Please note: limited spaces available.
You can also use one of the three park & rides on the edge of the city. Parking costs just €5.10 per day and includes a bus ticket or bike hire.
Vlijmenseweg park & ride
Address: Vlijmenseweg 10, 5223 GW ’s-Hertogenbosch
De Vliert park & ride
Address: Stadionlaan 9, 5213 JH ’s-Hertogenbosch
Pettelaarpark park & ride
Address: Pettelaarpark 59, 5216 PP ’s-Hertogenbosch
Is the programme available in advance?
Yes, keep an eye on this website. We will publish all relevant information here as soon as it becomes available.
Is lunch and/or the reception included?
Yes, lunch, drinks, snacks during the day, and the Friday networking reception are all included in your ticket price.
Dinner and any additional extras must be booked separately.
Is there Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes, the hotel provides public Wi-Fi. Login details will be shared at the venue.
What is the conference language?
The official conference language is English, to reflect its international nature.
About VViN
VViN is the Netherlands Association of Interpreting and Translation Companies. Founded in 1994, it has always aimed to enhance the professionalism and quality of language services providers.
We have been actively involved in the development of international standards and were among the initiators of EUATC.
See the VViN website for more information.
