27
Nov 2024
Focus on Project Management
27-29 November 2024 / Belgrade, Serbia

About Focus PM 2024

ELIA’s 9th Focus on Project Management is calling all industry project and production managers to Belgrade for a three-day event to learn and develop practical skills, try out new approaches, cultivate their mindset and help them become a truly unstoppable force for their companies. The event will be divided into 3 independent tracks featuring presentations, workshops and discussions hosted by language industry leaders.

To kickstart your event experience, attendees are also welcome to join us at the pre-conference Focus on Technology Day, on 27 November, 2024.

PROGRAMME

Focus PM 2024 is a game-changer. We’ve listened to your feedback and are rolling up our sleeves to bring you a truly hands-on experience. Expect less talk and more action, less theory and more practice.

Under the theme “Becoming a PM Rockstar in the AI Era“, we will dive into essential topics, including how to master both small and large team dynamics, and how to grow your career and become an invaluable asset to your company. We will explore real-life PM problems to solve and discover how to tame the AI beast with practical, real-world use cases that show you how to harness its power for maximum efficiency. We will also address how to avoid burnout and maintain balance while handling a dynamic and demanding workload. 

Get ready for a rigorous and immersive experience where you and your peers will be fully engaged every step of the way. You will leave not just prepared but empowered, equipped to tackle any challenge and drive your success and career to new heights.

For the best experience, come rested and open-minded, and get ready to unleash your full potential as the PM powerhouse you are ready to become!

  • 27 Nov
    Day 1
  • 28 Nov
    Day 2
  • 29 Nov
    Day 3
  • Pre-conference Day - Focus on Technology
09:00 – 12:00  
Translate Me Tender, Translate Me True: Webpage Translation Masterclass

Join us for a three-hour intensive training on the critical topic of website translation. Show more... This session will explore best practices for analysing website word-count calculation and providing accurate quotes to clients. We will cover techniques for exporting and importing website translation files, integration methods, and essential plugins. Plus, we will dive into the most effective tools, tips, and modern technology solutions, including AI, to streamline your workflow. With a blend of theory and hands-on practice, all participants are recommended to bring their own laptops for the most immersive experience. For more information, please click here.

Participating fee: €85.

Sotir Rangelov photo
Sotir Rangelov
Oltrans Translation Agency
Co-founder & Manager
12:15 – 13:45  
Mitra's PTP workflow - Technology Training

Dive into the world of OCR and CAT tool translation with Nenad Show more...Angelov from Mitra Translations Ltd. in a fun and engaging hands-on training session. Discover how to streamline your workflow and enhance efficiency by integrating OCR, DTP, and CAT tools. Learn practical tips and tricks through hands-on demonstrations, using ABBYY FineReader and RWS Studio with day-to-day examples. From scanning and converting documents and images to laying out multilingual publications, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge to become a digital maestro.

Nenad Angelov photo
Nenad Angelov
Mitra Translations
PTP Manager
14:00 – 15:00  
Wordbee Translator demo

Powerful tools like Wordbee can seem overwhelming, but together, Show more...we’ll tackle the typical daily challenges that project managers face. Participants are encouraged to bring their own challenges, and we’ll work through them as a group. This workshop is designed to spark new ideas, challenge each other’s perspectives, and ensure that everyone, including the presenter, walks out smarter than when we walked in.

John Di Rico photo
John Di Rico
Wordbee
Director of Business Development
15:00 – 15:30  
Coffee Break

15:30 – 17:30  
Wordbee workshop

Powerful tools like Wordbee can seem overwhelming, but together, Show more...we’ll tackle the typical daily challenges that project managers face. Participants are encouraged to bring their own challenges, and we’ll work through them as a group. This workshop is designed to spark new ideas, challenge each other’s perspectives, and ensure that everyone, including the presenter, walks out smarter than when we walked in.

Workshops are free of charge for all participants.

John Di Rico photo
John Di Rico
Wordbee
Director of Business Development
18:00 – 20:00  
Welcome Drinks

Venue (lobby bar)

  • Conference day
09:00 – 09:30  
Open Registration & Welcome Coffee

09:30 – 10:00  
Event Opening

10:00 – 10:30  
It's Now or Never: Mastering PM Communication, Work-Life Balance, and Career Growth

A project manager sits at the heart of every successful team, Show more...ensuring that objectives are met, timelines are adhered to, and resources are used efficiently. But the role extends far beyond simply managing tasks. Project managers are the cornerstone of team dynamics, guiding members through the complexities of human behaviour, encouraging collaboration, and ensuring collective success.

At the foundation of successful project management is effective communication. This is not just a means of meeting business targets, but a tool that promotes personal growth, nurtures well-being, and allows teams to achieve a deeper sense of fulfilment through shared accomplishments.

In this keynote, we will explore the essential role project managers play in navigating the social and psychological forces that influence how teams work together. From managing group dynamics to resolving conflicts, their leadership is crucial in shaping the success of any project.

Olga Svoboda - Opening Keynote photo
Olga Svoboda - Opening Keynote
HROS.io Serbia
Managing Partner
10:30 – 11:00  
Coffee Break

11:00 – 12:30  
Suspicious Minds: Challenge Status Quo and Level up Your PM Career

Presentation
Patry will share her unique journey from starting Show more...as a teacher to climbing the ranks to become the Director of Translation & Localization. With a personal touch, she will walk us through her career progression—Teacher, Project Assistant, Client Manager, Project Manager, Senior PM, Quality & Production Manager, and finally Director—while emphasising the vital role of Project Managers who are the true rock stars behind the scenes.

The session will be both informative and entertaining, with Patry using a visual timeline and
personal anecdotes to illustrate how she navigated the industry. She will also stress the importance of building a "dream team," emphasising the value of diverse skills.

Patry Muñoz Andrés photo
Patry Muñoz Andrés
Linguava
Director of Translation & Localization
12:30 – 14:00  
Lunch

14:00 – 15:30  
A Little Less Conversation, A Little More AI-ction

Presentation - Group A
The arrival of genAI has sparked both Show more...excitement and concern in the localization industry. While common uses like content creation and translation are well-known, there is much more to explore.

This presentation introduces Creative Words' approach to continuous training on genAI applications, understanding optimization goals and encouraging a shift in mindset.

Marina and Matilde will present real-world applications of genAI in non-linguistic tasks with practical uses for project managers. The workshop will put the presentation's insights into practice, allowing participants to experience firsthand the support genAI offers in daily tasks.

Matilde Santetti photo
Matilde Santetti
Creative Words
Localization Project Manager
Marina Liuzzi photo
Marina Liuzzi
Creative Words
Solution Architect (Innovation Lab)
You're the Growth in Disguise: How PMs Drive Company Success

Presentation - Group B
Join us for a presentation that will empower Show more...attendees with actionable strategies to optimise project workflows, leverage data for growth, foster strong client relationships, and identify new business opportunities and efficiencies.

Discover how effective project management can drive company expansion and elevate overall business performance.

Dana Brown photo
Dana Brown
Tarjama
Senior Director of Vendor and Quality Management
Gavin Brown photo
Gavin Brown
Tarjama
Digital Specialist
15:30 – 16:00  
Coffee Break

16:00 – 17:30  
A Little Less Conversation, A Little More AI-ction

Workshop - Group A
The arrival of genAI has sparked both excitement Show more...and concern in the localization industry. While common uses like content creation and translation are well-known, there is much more to explore.

This presentation introduces Creative Words' approach to continuous training on genAI applications, understanding optimization goals and encouraging a shift in mindset.

Marina and Matilde will present real-world applications of genAI in non-linguistic tasks with practical uses for project managers. The workshop will put the presentation's insights into practice, allowing participants to experience firsthand the support genAI offers in daily tasks.

Matilde Santetti photo
Matilde Santetti
Creative Words
Localization Project Manager
Marina Liuzzi photo
Marina Liuzzi
Creative Words
Solution Architect (Innovation Lab)
You're the Growth in Disguise: How PMs Drive Company Success

Workshop - Group B
Join us for a presentation that will empower Show more...attendees with actionable strategies to optimise project workflows, leverage data for growth, foster strong client relationships, and identify new business opportunities and efficiencies.

Discover how effective project management can drive company expansion and elevate overall business performance.

Dana Brown photo
Dana Brown
Tarjama
Senior Director of Vendor and Quality Management
Gavin Brown photo
Gavin Brown
Tarjama
Digital Specialist
20:00 – 00:00  
Networking Dinner

Ambar Restaurant

  • Conference day
09:00 – 09:30  
Morning Coffee

09:30 – 11:00  
A Little Less Conversation, A Little More AI-ction

Presentation - Group B
The arrival of genAI has sparked both Show more...excitement and concern in the localization industry. While common uses like content creation and translation are well-known, there is much more to explore.

This presentation introduces Creative Words' approach to continuous training on genAI applications, understanding optimization goals and encouraging a shift in mindset.

Marina and Matilde will present real-world applications of genAI in non-linguistic tasks with practical uses for project managers. The workshop will put the presentation's insights into practice, allowing participants to experience firsthand the support genAI offers in daily tasks.

Matilde Santetti photo
Matilde Santetti
Creative Words
Localization Project Manager
Marina Liuzzi photo
Marina Liuzzi
Creative Words
Solution Architect (Innovation Lab)
You're the Growth in Disguise: How PMs Drive Company Success

Presentation - Group A
Join us for a presentation that will empower Show more...attendees with actionable strategies to optimise project workflows, leverage data for growth, foster strong client relationships, and identify new business opportunities and efficiencies.

Discover how effective project management can drive company expansion and elevate overall business performance.

Dana Brown photo
Dana Brown
Tarjama
Senior Director of Vendor and Quality Management
Gavin Brown photo
Gavin Brown
Tarjama
Digital Specialist
11:00 – 11:30  
Coffee Break

11:30 – 13:00  
A Little Less Conversation, A Little More AI-ction

Workshop - Group B
The arrival of genAI has sparked both excitement Show more...and concern in the localization industry. While common uses like content creation and translation are well-known, there is much more to explore.

This presentation introduces Creative Words' approach to continuous training on genAI applications, understanding optimization goals and encouraging a shift in mindset.

Marina and Matilde will present real-world applications of genAI in non-linguistic tasks with practical uses for project managers. The workshop will put the presentation's insights into practice, allowing participants to experience firsthand the support genAI offers in daily tasks.

Matilde Santetti photo
Matilde Santetti
Creative Words
Localization Project Manager
Marina Liuzzi photo
Marina Liuzzi
Creative Words
Solution Architect (Innovation Lab)
You're the Growth in Disguise: How PMs Drive Company Success

Workshop - Group A
Join us for a presentation that will empower Show more...attendees with actionable strategies to optimise project workflows, leverage data for growth, foster strong client relationships, and identify new business opportunities and efficiencies.

Discover how effective project management can drive company expansion and elevate overall business performance.

Dana Brown photo
Dana Brown
Tarjama
Senior Director of Vendor and Quality Management
Gavin Brown photo
Gavin Brown
Tarjama
Digital Specialist
13:00 – 14:30  
Lunch

14:30 – 16:00  
PM Bootcamp: I Can't Help Falling Into Success

Workshop
Join us for an interactive and hands-on workshop designed Show more...for Project Managers who are ready to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success. Through personal stories and real-life scenarios, this session will empower you to speak up, share your experiences, and tackle complex project management challenges head-on.

Key Scenarios:
1. The Impossible Translation Request: Learn how to navigate a project where the tools don’t support all the required languages, and discover how to turn a potential failure into a client-winning success.

2. The Bilingual Staff Dilemma: Explore strategies for handling errors introduced by "bilingual experts" and turning these moments into opportunities for client education and long-term relationship building.

3. The Crappy Translation Memory (TM): Understand the importance of quality control and how to diplomatically handle clients with poor TMs, ensuring you maintain project integrity while educating the client.

4. The Understaffed Crisis: Discover how to manage large projects with limited resources, and learn the value of stepping up, rolling up your sleeves, and contributing beyond your role to advance your career and leadership skills.

Objective: By the end of this workshop, PMs will have the confidence and tools to not only manage difficult situations but to emerge as leaders who drive success for their projects, teams, and themselves.

Patry Muñoz Andrés photo
Patry Muñoz Andrés
Linguava
Director of Translation & Localization
16:00 – 16:30  
Coffee Break

16:30 – 17:00  
The PM Superstar Has Left the Building

In the closing keynote, Richard Brooks will bring together key Show more...learnings from the conference, highlighting the critical evolution of the PM role in the AI era. Emphasising that Project Managers are the true profit centres of their LSPs, Richard will share inspiring stories of PMs who've become indispensable assets to their companies. He'll provide actionable strategies for attendees to amplify their influence, drive innovation, and directly contribute to their company's and customer's bottom line. Expect a mix of humour, practical advice, and motivational insights that will leave PMs feeling equipped to step into their roles as the economic engines of the language industry.

Richard Brooks - Closing Keynote photo
Richard Brooks - Closing Keynote
Strategic Sales Consultant
17:00 – 17:30  
Event Closing

SPEAKERS

Olga Svoboda
Opening Keynote
HROS.io Serbia
Managing Partner
Olga Svoboda
Opening Keynote
Patry Muñoz Andrés
Linguava
Director of Translation & Localization
Patry Muñoz Andrés
Matilde Santetti
Creative Words
Localization Project Manager
Matilde Santetti
Marina Liuzzi
Creative Words
Solution Architect (Innovation Lab)
Marina Liuzzi
Dana Brown
Tarjama
Senior Director of Vendor and Quality Management
Dana Brown
Gavin Brown
Tarjama
Digital Specialist
Gavin Brown
Richard Brooks
Closing Keynote
Strategic Sales Consultant
Richard Brooks
Closing Keynote
Sotir Rangelov
Oltrans Translation Agency
Co-founder & Manager
Sotir Rangelov
Nenad Angelov
Mitra Translations
PTP Manager
Nenad Angelov
John Di Rico
Wordbee
Director of Business Development
John Di Rico

Who should attend?

This event is for ambitious project & production managers who are serious about delivering the very best for their company and clients. No matter where you are in your career, you’ll leave us equipped to operate on a new level in 2024 and make your company proud.

Benefits of the programme

For you

  • Discover the secrets of leading PMs from our industry and beyond
  • Approach the future confidently with an understanding of the latest trends
  • Identify and overcome the obstacles that are holding you back
  • Share your perspective and be inspired by peers in the same environment
  • Discover how your communication skills can benefit both your professional and personal life

For your company

  • Boost your bottom line with efficient new approaches
  • Build a productive, happy team with a shared idea of success
  • Contribute the latest insights to the company’s 2025 roadmap
  • Deepen client loyalty by delivering added value
  • Develop a better community around your company

REGISTER

Pre-conference Focus on Technology

If you would like to participate in the Technology Day on Wednesday, 27 November you can reserve your spot in the event registration form.
For more information, please click here.

Event 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.

Committee

Alina Birsan
AB Language Solutions
Event Chair
Alina Birsan
Nenad Andricsek
Envelor Communications
Programme Committee
Nenad Andricsek
Ursula Steigerwald
Rheinschrift
Programme Committee
Ursula Steigerwald

GALLERY

Venue

The Metropol Palace Hotel in Belgrade is a true testament to the magnificence and elegance of a mid-century era. Originally built in 1957, the hotel has been completely renovated and modernised, while still preserving its rich history and timeless charm.

For attendees of ELIA’s Focus on Project Management 2024, we have agreed special rates.

To book your room at Metropol Palace Hotel, please use the following BOOKING LINK.

€140 single, €150 double / Deluxe
Room rates do not include city tax, €1.36 per person, per night.

Images: Copyright Metropol Palace Hotel
Metropol Palace Hotel
Bulevar kralja Aleksandra 69, Belgrade, Serbia
Tel: +381 11-3333100 reception@metropolpalace.com Visit Website

Alternative accommodation

Golden Tulip Zira is strategically located in the heart of Belgrade. The hotel is surrounded by many local restaurants with typical serbian food to try for a total immersion in the capital.

To book your room at Golden Tulip Hotel, please complete the reservation form here.

€110 single, €130 double
Room rates do not include city tax, €1.4 per person, per night.

Images: Copyright Golden Tulip Hotel

Social Events

Don’t miss our networking events at PM 2024, where you can mix & mingle with fellow attendees, in inimitable ELIA style. Sign up during registration to secure your spot!

Copyright Metropol Palace

Welcome Drinks

Wednesday, 27 November / 18:00-20:00
Venue (lobby bar)

If you wish to sign up, please confirm during registration.

Copyright Ambar Reastaurant

Networking Dinner

Thursday, 28 November / 20:00-24:00
Ambar Restaurant

The cost for the sharing style dinner is €65 per person and you can sign up during registration.

Please click here for the menu.

SPONSORS

Interested in sponsoring Focus on Project Management 2024?
Click here or contact us!

PARTNERS

Looking to Become a Member of ELIA?
For additional information contact us by email