TranslateAble, the events industry’s only dedicated language service agency, further bolstered Excel London’s traffic team recently by providing onsite language professionals during one of its largest trade show build and breakdown operations.
This year’s WTM London, which attracted a record-breaking number of exhibitors, is one of Excel’s highest traffic events and presents unique logistical challenges. In an innovative, first-of-its-kind approach to further ease traffic flow, TranslateAble provided onsite interpreters fluent in English, Hungarian, Serbian and Polish to work alongside Excel’s traffic team, helping to streamline communication with drivers and event suppliers.
The additional on-the-ground support enabled Excel’s dedicated traffic team to handle driver and supplier queries faster, especially for those for whom English was not their first language. With some drivers arriving with limited details or visiting the venue for the first time, interpreters communicated essential instructions on specific parking areas, directions and stand locations, helping to ensure that the build and breakdown stages remained on schedule.
This marks the first time interpreters have been used by a venue to address traffic coordination in this way, representing a new initiative aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and inclusivity.
Kerrie Kemp, Director of Venue Operations at Excel, commented: “Here at Excel, we are constantly looking at new investments and initiatives to make our venue even more accessible and efficient for everyone who uses it. During WTM London, the TranslateAble interpreters played a crucial role in maintaining the flow of traffic, clearing vehicle areas promptly, and enhancing the experience for both drivers and the Excel team. We’re delighted with how successful the trial went, and we will be exploring further opportunities again in the future.”
Julia Danmeri, CEO of TranslateAble, added: “When we were approached by Excel to provide these services, we leapt at the opportunity. As an event organiser, I’m passionate about supporting venues and organisers in exploring new initiatives to improve operational efficiency. Inclusivity and accessibility are essential throughout every phase of event delivery. Too often, the focus is solely on attendees and the show floor, but it’s equally vital to consider everyone involved from the very start of the event process. Suppliers and their teams are crucial parts of the show, and this initiative benefited the entire event supply chain from organisers to venue staff to suppliers. We hope this collaboration inspires similar initiatives at events around the world.”
For more information on TranslateAble visit www.translateable.com or for further details on Excel London head to www.excel.london
