Interview Spotlight with Bastian Enners from Plunet
Continuing with our interview series celebrating our 20th Anniversary, ELIA’s Roots: Stories from Our Member Companies, next up is Bastian Enners from Plunet.
This interview series is a continuation from our Past Board Members series, and this time we turn to the ones who have allowed ELIA to grow into the association it is today and showed support and engagement throughout the years: our Members.
In each article, a Member Company shares their unique story with ELIA, from special memories and Member value, to business milestones and industry connections.
Now, let’s hear from Bastian Enners on his ELIA journey for almost 20 years.
When did you first join ELIA, and what brought you to the association?
Plunet joined ELIA almost from the very beginning—almost 20 years ago. At that time, there were already some associations and conferences in the language industry, but ELIA felt like something new: smaller, fresher, more open. Someone told us, “This is a new European association—cool people, great energy—you should go!” So we did. Our first ELIA event was in Lisbon, and it turned out to be the start of a long friendship. My colleague Sufian and I went there. On the evening before the conference, we ended up in a local restaurant, sitting a bit aside, when we noticed a big lively group clearly from “the industry.” We joined them, and that’s how our first ELIA night began: with laughter, good food, and a group of people who later became colleagues, clients, and friends.
What is one of your favourite memories from an ELIA event or within the community?
That first Lisbon conference will always stay with me, it set the tone. But there have been many memorable moments since then: Speed Networking sessions that were unexpectedly fun, inspiring Executive Events in Mallorca and Crete, great workshops and late-night conversations that somehow shaped business ideas and friendships alike.
ELIA events have always managed to balance learning and laughter. You come home with new insights about the industry, and with a few more friends.
What do you value most about being part of the ELIA community?
ELIA has always been more than an association; it’s a safe space for our industry. The atmosphere is open, supportive, and genuinely curious. I’m actually a rather introverted person, and public speaking is not my favorite thing. But at ELIA events, I’ve always felt comfortable—surrounded by people with an open mindset and a shared passion for our work. For new Plunet colleagues, attending an ELIA conference is the best way to really feel the industry: its people, its challenges, and its energy.
How has ELIA impacted your business or your professional journey?
ELIA has played a big role in Plunet’s growth. Many of our first long-term customer relationships started through ELIA networking events. Over the years, it became a key platform to exchange ideas, understand what’s happening in the market, and spot emerging trends early. For us, ELIA has always been a place where knowledge, innovation, and community meet. It helped us stay connected and grounded in an industry that has changed dramatically over the past two decades.
Looking ahead, what do you see for the future of ELIA and our community?
We’re all part of a strongly transforming and sometimes unsettling industry. AI, automation, new business models—everything is shifting fast. But that also means there are countless opportunities for those who stay open, curious, and connected.
My wish for ELIA is to keep that vibe alive—the mix of professionalism and warmth that makes people feel safe to learn, share, and experiment together. ELIA has managed to stay relevant and special for 20 years because it keeps reinventing itself without losing its spirit. I hope it continues to be the place where the industry meets not only to talk business but to build trust and friendship.
Thank you to Bastian for sharing Plunet’s ELIA journey! Your engagement and support continue to inspire and guide our community and Members, and we are grateful for the ELIA Family we have fostered together.
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Stay tuned for the next ELIA’s Roots article.
