Interpreting under secrecy and compressed timelines
RWS deployed two professional interpreters per language to preserve continuity and quality. Each was carefully vetted, with multiple references and experience with high-stakes interpretation. We drew on the full breadth of our community to choose candidates we knew were up to the challenge.
The team managed travel arrangements, flying interpreters from their home states to the event location, and supplied specialized interpretation equipment, including headsets, teleprompters and monitors, integrated with venue AV systems for uninterrupted delivery.
Building on years of collaboration within the technology ecosystem, this engagement marked an important expansion of RWS’s role. What began as complex, high-volume localization support for the client evolved into trusted live event execution for one of the client’s most visible settings.
This was an opportunity for RWS to showcase our ability to translate deep domain expertise into real-time performance under strict confidentiality. The setting was high-visibility, and execution had direct implications for our relationship with the client and the client’s standing with invited media.
Although RWS does provide live interpretation services, this engagement presented unique challenges. Much of the operational activity accelerated in the two weeks leading up to the event, and confirmation occurred without significant lead time. Because of the confidential nature of the product announcements, interpreters did not receive scripts in advance and were required to prepare on-site during rehearsals.
Beyond linguistic challenges, the physical environment also required restructuring to accommodate interpretation equipment, as the event vendor was not accustomed to including interpretation services at this level. RWS coordinated interpreter travel, equipment integration, venue adjustments and technical alignment across two locations, drawing on a vetted community of subject-matter experts with demonstrable live event experience.
RWS was able to successfully deliver quality live interpretation despite these challenges.
