Alison Hughes (Glasgow, UK)

The place is Gatwick, the month is May

The Hilton Hotel is where we’ll stay

 

The Hilton? What’s the reason why?

It’s this year’s conference of the ITI

 

Masterclasses a choice of four

Technology, money, could you ask for more?

 

Working the room is the other choice

Helping translators to find their voice

 

Drinks and dinner round off the first day

Before the conference gets underway

 

Soap and drugs, workflow and planes

CPD, export, social media and games

 

A yoga session to help us unwind

Stretch our limbs and empty our mind

 

Professional photos taken on site

A chance to get our image just right

 

Line dancing, whose idea was that?

Yes please I’ll have a sparkly hat

 

As Sunday dawns there’s lots in store

Quality, patents, contracts and more

 

Keynote speakers entertain and inspire

Figureheads we all admire

 

A final break with cakes and tea

Then singing translators with “Stand by me”

 

At the summary session we take a seat

And soon realise we’re in for a treat

 

A conference video has been prepared

And we’re the first to see it aired

 

Next it’s feedback, all positive of course

All in one voice, if a little hoarse

 

We ate and drank and had some fun

And learnt to look after number one

 

With knowledge gained at every session

We’ve pulled together as a profession

 

Hailed a success by all attending

For the conference committee a happy ending