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Special Interest Groups

GALA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are led by volunteer moderators and feature regular meetings and online discussion forums. Meetings encourage networked learning, with mini-presentations, special guests, and peer-to-peer discussion. 

Join a SIG

 As a SIG member, you’ll get access to the Basecamp forum, receive special announcements and opportunities through the SIG mailing list (1-2 emails per month), and be recognized as a committee member. SIGs are an exclusive member benefit; active membership is required to join.

To join a SIG:

  1. Login and go to your Member Compass
  2. Select "Profile" on the left panel
  3. Scroll down to the "Special Interest Groups" section
  4. Check the boxes of the groups you want to join

Visit our event calendar to register for upcoming SIG meetings. You do not need to be a SIG member to attend a meeting.

REGISTER FOR SIG MEETINGS

GALA’s AI Use Cases SIG showcases demonstrable, real-world applications of AI in the language sector. It endeavors to move beyond the hype to the practical implementation of AI-powered technologies in both linguistic and business contexts. A mix of stakeholders, including LSCs, end-clients, and language technology companies, share challenges and solutions and support one another in adopting transformative technologies.

Who should join?

GALA members interested in breaking through the AI hype to see how real companies are utilizing the technology.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Antoine Rey (Argos Multilingual), Belén Agulló García (Terra Translations), Laura Ramírez Polo (Rutgers University), Marcus Danei (SAP SE), María do Campo Bayón (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona), Olga Beregovaya (Smartling), Patricia Paladini Adell (IKEA Retail - Ingka Group), Thomas Mosley (ITC Global), and Ziyi "Ian" Zhang (Zoetis Inc.).
  • Meetings are 90 minutes once per quarter. There will be 4 meetings in 2025. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The AI Use Cases SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required)
  • GALA membership required.

GALA’s Audiovisual Localization SIG connects the supply-side, buy-side, and technology companies into a single community focused on collaborative growth. The group explores the latest trends, technologies, and processes in handling complex multi-modal localization projects.

Who Should Join?

GALA members working in audiovisual localization or interested in learning more about it. Meetings will cover both beginner and advanced topics.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Ralph Jung (Dell Technologies), Andrea Ballista (VOISEED SRL), and Carlo Eugeni (University of Leeds).
  • Meetings are on the second Thursday of alternating months at 8:00 am Pacific / 17:00 CET. The 2025 meetings will be in February, March, May, July, September, and November. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Audivisual Localization SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • GALA membership required.

Content & Publications

GALA’s Client SIG is a collaborative forum for professionals focused on localization and multilingual communications within global enterprises. Here, they can freely share knowledge and learn from each other's experiences. Meetings feature expert guests and discussions unique to internal departments, such as in-house evangelization, adapting new technology, and process innovation.

Who Should Join?

GALA members employed by end-client organizations seeking community and knowledge to develop their professional skills.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Agnes Schöndorni-Schönner (GoTo Technologies), Julia Carrasco (Coupa), and Pia Bresnan (Uber).
  • Meetings are on the third Wednesday of alternating months at 8:00 am Pacific / 17:00 CET. The 2025 meetings will be in February, March, June, September, and November. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Client SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • Requirements include GALA membership and employment by a client organization.

The Inclusive Language SIG explores developing linguistic considerations relating to inclusivity, belonging, and accessibility. The group explores different themes, including implementing inclusive and accessible language initiatives, updates to terminology, and global linguistic developments.

Who Should Join?

All members that have an interest in language evolution and in providing an inclusive experience for the end-user.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Serge Ansar (International Baccalaureate), Amanda Hawthorne (Electronic Arts), Bettiana Quiroga (Eriksen Translations Inc), and Liza Dziahel (Alconost).
  • Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month, once per quarter at 8:00 am Pacific / 17:00 CET. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Inclusive Language SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • GALA membership required.

Content & Publications

GALA’s Interpreting SIG is a community dedicated to the advancement of the interpreting sector. Its mission is to unite clients, suppliers, and technology providers to advance collaborative solutions, to promote the value of professional interpreting services, and to provide support and education for interpreting professionals.

Who Should Join?

All members working in interpreting services and those to learn more about best practices and emerging technologies in interpreting.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Viviana Bernabe (Welocalize), Aki Hayashi (Dell Technologies), Giulia Silvestrini (Acolad), Alan Evans (Meehan Group), and Claudio Fantinuoli (KUDO, Inc.).
  • Meetings are the second Wednesday of alternating months at 8:30 am Pacific / 17:30 CET. The 2025 meetings will be in January, March, May, July, September, and November. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Intepreting SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • GALA membership required.

Content & Publications

We offer two ways for GALA members to participate in SIGs: you can either become a SIG member or simply attend meetings. As a SIG member, you’ll get access to the forum, receive special announcements and opportunities through the SIG mailing list (1-2 emails per month), and be recognized as a committee member.

Questions about joining a SIG? Contact us at events@gala-global.org.