When planning a successful event in a culturally rich and diverse city like San Diego, ensuring every guest feels seen, heard, and understood is essential. But even the most seasoned event planners can trip up when it comes to hiring interpreters — and the smallest oversight can lead to miscommunication, technical hiccups, or worse: a frustrated audience.
At Valdes Language Services, we’ve supported countless events — from high-profile conferences to intimate community gatherings — and we’ve seen where things often go wrong.
Here are five common mistakes event planners make when hiring interpreters — and how you can avoid them:
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute
Many planners underestimate how early interpretation services need to be booked. Professional interpreters — especially those who specialize in niche industries or languages — get booked quickly.
Pro tip: Secure your interpreter as soon as your agenda is set.
This gives everyone time to prepare, review terminology, and ensure equipment needs are covered.
2. Hiring Bilingual Staff Instead of Professional Interpreters
Just because someone is bilingual doesn’t mean they’re a trained interpreter. True interpretation requires rapid mental processing, cultural fluency, and industry-specific knowledge.Why it matters: Relying on a well-meaning bilingual employee can lead to major misunderstandings — especially during technical sessions or legal discussions.
3. Not Clarifying the Type of Interpretation Needed
Do you need simultaneous interpretation (real-time translation through headsets), or consecutive interpretation (pausing between speakers)? Are you supporting a panel, breakout sessions, or live Q&A?
Clarifying this upfront ensures you get the right professional — and the right tools — for the job.
4. Overlooking Technical Logistics
Interpretation requires more than just people — you may need microphones, headsets, booths, or reliable Wi-Fi for remote participants.
What we see: Planners sometimes book interpreters but forget to coordinate the AV setup — leaving interpreters scrambling to do their job without the proper tools.
At Valdes Language Services, we handle this coordination for you, ensuring everything runs smoothly on-site.
5. Ignoring Cultural Nuances
Interpretation isn’t just about translating words — it’s about bridging cultures. Missteps in tone, idioms, or cultural references can alienate your audience.
Choose a team that understands both language and culture, so your messaging lands the way you intend — with clarity and respect.
BONUS MISTAKE: Not Tapping Your Interpreter Team for Event Support
When you hire Valdes Language Services, you’re getting more than language support — you’re getting a true local partner.
As a proud member of the San Diego Tourism Authority, we’re connected to a strong network of trusted, vetted event vendors. Need help finding AV, signage, bilingual hosts, or community partners? We’ve got referrals ready.
Don’t leave those extra planning details on the table — we’re happy to help you build your full event team.
Why Go Local? The Perks of Hiring a Small, Latina-Owned Business
When you choose Valdes Language Services, you’re not just hiring a vendor — you’re supporting a Latina-owned, woman-led business rooted in the San Diego community.
We bring a level of human connection, personalized service, and cultural care that large national agencies just can’t replicate.
We remember your event details, your audience, your mission — and we show up as true collaborators to make your event shine.
A Note From Valdes Language Services
We’re proud to serve the vibrant, multicultural events of San Diego with interpretation services in 30+ languages — from Spanish and Tagalog to ASL and beyond.
Our team is made up of trained, professional interpreters who understand the fast-paced nature of live events and the importance of cultural sensitivity.
Whether you’re hosting a corporate summit, nonprofit fundraiser, or city-sponsored community event, we’re here to make your job easier and your event more inclusive.
Ready to Get Started? (Reach out here!)
Let’s make your next event truly accessible for all.
