GALA Town Hall: Reflecting on the Breakout Year in the Field of AI
Though AI has been a focus of research since the 1950s, it's fair to say that 2023 was a breakout year for AI, at least in the mass media. Generative AI, in particular, enjoyed significant coverage in headlines and ChatGPT is now a household name across much of the world.
Large language models may have just entered the general public's consciousness, but the language industry has always been ahead of the curve, accustomed to rapid technological change and welcoming to advances that improve speed and quality, including AI. But even the language industry felt a shift in 2023.
Beyond the hype - and there was a lot of it - AI emerged as neither ally nor adversary. It's a tool, and tools must be wielded by people. For some, it was an opportunity to expand services and improve efficiency. For others, it remained a subject for future exploration, or even a source of anxiety.
Join other GALA members to reflect on the state of the art of AI in the language industry in 2023. We'll review results of a brief survey on if and how language industry organizations are using AI and explore some use cases already being implemented. We'll discuss the concerns, caveats, and conditions for AI use and look ahead at what 2024 might bring.
Participation is welcome; a diversity of opinions and experiences helps us all grow, and this conversation is only getting started.
Host organization: Globalization and Localization Association
Event Speakers
Dave Ruane
XTM International
Dave Ruane started his 25-year localization industry journey in technology and solutions roles, followed by operations management, consultancy and then designed globalization business solutions for enterprises. He currently manages digital content and partner strategies at XTM International. Dave is a moderator and speaker at industry events, and runs the Process Innovation Challenge. He is a self-confessed techie, based in coastal Spain and more often than not can be found near fly fishing water.
Britta Aagaard
TransPerfect
Chief Business Officer at Semantix, responsible for the total business within localization and advanced language solutions. The enthusiastic leader of a passionate team of language professionals, technology experts and innovative minds. Semantix is the leading player in the Nordics and is constantly expanding its own comfort zone, trying harder and achieving more. Building on great people who firmly believe in communication and technology as an important contribution to our modern world.
Jose Palomares
Coupa Software
Jose is the Director of Localization at Coupa, the software company leader in the enterprise Business Spend Management category. With a trajectory in our industry spanning more than 25 years as a translator, technologist, business leader, and entrepreneur, Jose brings to the table his combined experience from the vendor and buyer sides, a keen interest in all things technology, and an outspoken attitude toward how to empower our community, do more, and do better.