About Execs 2026
Executive leadership in the language industry is being tested in new ways as AI reshapes expectations, value is scrutinised more closely, and decision-making becomes increasingly complex. For leaders navigating this shift, clarity, perspective, and informed judgement matter more than ever.
ELIA Focus on Executives 2026 is a dedicated forum for senior leaders to step back from day-to-day pressures and engage in high-level dialogue around strategy, value creation, and growth. Join us in the historic and vibrant city of Chania, Crete, on 14–15 May for the 10th edition of the event, bringing together executive-level discussion, expert insight, and meaningful peer exchange in one of Greece’s most storied destinations.
PROGRAMME
Over two days, under the theme Inside Executive Decision-Making: Creating Value and Growth in an AI-Shaped Industry, the programme is built around a deliberate dual perspective. Participants will explore, first, where localisation truly works today—how clients assess value, make trade-offs, and redesign localisation as a strategic, product-driven capability. The programme then turns to the equally critical challenge of how LSP leaders translate that value into decisions, through credibility, positioning, and a deeper understanding of how buyers actually think and choose.
Through two expert-led sessions, a moderated panel, and a facilitated World Café workshop, participants gain insight into both sides of the equation: what clients really want and expect in an AI-shaped industry, and how to communicate, frame, and defend that value without defaulting to price or traditional RFP-driven models. The programme addresses the industry’s current “AI moment” with clarity and curiosity, supporting more informed decision-making and the development of sustainable, high-impact partnerships grounded in long-term value and trust.
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13 May
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14 May
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15 May
Welcome Dinner at Thalassa Restaurant (venue)
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Track 1: When Localisation Works – by Tommaso Rossi
Open Registration & Welcome Coffee
Event Opening
How Clients are Redesigning the Future of Localization: My Experience at Spotify
A personal perspective on building localization as a strategic, product-driven, and scalable function.
Coffee Break
How Buyers Decide Today: What Really Drives Decisions
I can’t tell you how to sell, but I can explain how buying decisions are actually made.
Lunch
The AI Moment: Choosing Curiosity over Fear
Why AI represents a defining opportunity for localization and Show more...how mindset, not technology, will shape what comes next.
Coffee Break
The Partnership Reset: Beyond the RFP
Workshop
A hands-on session exploring what sustainable, high-impact Show more...buyer–vendor collaboration really looks like.
Networking Dinner at Sapel Hall
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Track 2: Influencing Value and Choice – by Alexander Freeland
Morning Coffee
From Credibility to Choice: How Decisions are Shaped under Uncertainty
This session explores how personal and organisational credibility Show more...influence decision-making long before price becomes the focal point.
Once inbound interest has been created and the first meeting goes well, a familiar executive challenge emerges: why do strong opportunities still fail to convert?
Participants leave with a clearer understanding of how to strengthen their position ethically and create decision-making frames that allow clients to commit to the best option—not simply the easiest or safest one.
Coffee Break
Executive World Café: Reframing Value and Choice in Complex Decisions
Participants will experience a collective intelligence process Show more...to share and identify good practices regarding needs and perceived value of their clients.
Lunch
As Hard as it Gets: From Good Practices to Specific Situations
LSP’s are navigating increasing pressure on value as AI narratives, Show more...procurement processes, and internal client uncertainty reshape how decisions are framed. In many cases, expertise and quality are acknowledged early in conversations but become harder to defend once decisions move beyond the room. Therefore we will work and debate on the right or different ways to deal with difficult situations.
Coffee Break
Panel Session: Clash of the Titans
Recap and Closing
SPEAKERS
Who should attend?
ELIA Focus on Executives is a highly curated forum designed for a select group of senior leaders from the language industry in Europe and beyond. The event brings together owners, CEOs, managing directors, and other senior decision-makers who are actively shaping the future direction of their organisations.
Through a carefully structured programme, participants engage in high-level, candid discussions on strategy, value creation, and growth in a rapidly changing industry. The format encourages meaningful peer exchange, enabling executives to share experience, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another in a trusted, confidential setting.
This is an event for leaders who value strategic dialogue, thoughtful collaboration, and the opportunity to step back from day-to-day operations to reflect on the decisions that matter most.
Benefits of the programme
For you
- Strengthen your leadership perspective in the context of rapid industry change.
- Join a highly trusted, peer-level community of senior language industry leaders.
- Gain actionable insight and dedicated time to reflect on strategic priorities and emerging trends.
- Engage in meaningful dialogue with experienced peers facing similar executive challenges.
- Contribute to—and help shape—the conversations influencing the future direction of the industry.
For your company
- Enhance your organisation’s readiness and competitiveness in an AI-shaped market.
- Bring back new strategic ideas, frameworks, and perspectives to inform decision-making.
- Gain clearer insight into your organisation’s strengths, risks, and strategic blind spots.
- Strengthen performance by applying proven approaches and best practices shared by peers.
- Deepen existing partnerships and identify new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
REGISTER
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€950Member
- Valid until 1 April 2026
- Applicable to ELIA & ALC members
- Registration includes access to all sessions, the Networking Dinner, lunches, and coffee breaks during the event.
- For group registrations, contact us.
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€1100Member
- Valid from 2 April 2026
- Applicable to ELIA & ALC members
- Registration includes access to all sessions, the Networking Dinner, lunches, and coffee breaks during the event.
- For group registrations, contact us.
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€1140Non-member
- Valid until 1 April 2026
- A 10% discount to members of ELIA Association Partners: AALC, AASL, AATC, AFIT, Aneti, Apit, ATC, Bliss, CLIA, Federlingue, Juntos, Polot, QSD, TinA and VViN
- Registration includes access to all sessions, the Networking Dinner, lunches, and coffee breaks during the event.
- For group registrations, contact us.
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€1290Non-member
- Valid from 2 April 2026
- A 10% discount to members of ELIA Association Partners: AALC, AASL, AATC, AFIT, Aneti, Apit, ATC, Bliss, CLIA, Federlingue, Juntos, Polot, QSD, TinA and VViN
- Registration includes access to all sessions, the Networking Dinner, lunches, and coffee breaks during the event.
- For group registrations, contact us.
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Cancellation Policy
All requests for cancellation and refunds must be received in writing; this also applies to registration substitutions. Please contact us via email.
To view the full cancellation policy and for more information about ELIA’s Event Terms & Conditions, please click here.
Venue
Minoa Palace Resort Hotel in Chania stands out due its aura of tranquility, harmoniously blended in with the ocean breeze and the lush green surroundings. A preferable choice for artistic rendez-vous, the resort is an equally great host for all sorts of events.
The hotel offers special rates for ELIA’s attendees by 09/04/2026. We recommend that you book your room as early as possible, to secure availability, using the BOOKING LINK.
- Double Room – mountain or garden view: €140.00
- Double Room – pool view: €150.00
- Imperial Double – side sea view: €180.00
Rates are valid from 3 days before and after the event, for single/double occupancy, per night and subject to availability. For pre – or post-event stays, please contact the hotel directly. Climate Resilience Tax: €15.00 per room, per night (payable upon arrival).
Copyright Minoa Palace Resort Hotel
Social Events
Don’t miss our networking events at Focus on Execs 2026! Connect with fellow attendees, engage with speakers, and mingle with the ELIA Board & Team—all in the signature, inimitable ELIA style.
Welcome Dinner
Wednesday, 13 May / 19:30-23:00
Thalassa Restaurant (venue)
The cost for the welcome dinner is €65 per person and you can sign up during registration. Click here for the menu.
Networking Dinner
Thursday, 14 May / 20:00-00:00
Sapel Hall – Agia Marina
Dinner is included in the price of registration. You are welcome to bring any guest(s) and the cost for each guest is €65. Click here for the menu.
COMMITTEE
SPONSORS
Interested in sponsoring Focus on Executives 2026?
Contact us!
