Conference interpreting is a form of interpreting in which a trained interpreter, known as a conference interpreter, facilitates communication between speakers who use different languages during a conference, meeting, or other multilingual event. Conference interpreting can be simultaneous or consecutive, depending on the needs of the event and the preferences of the participants.

Simultaneous interpreting involves the interpreter listening to the speaker in one language and immediately conveying the message in another language through a headset to the audience members who need it. This requires a high level of concentration and expertise on the part of the interpreter, as they must listen, process, and convey the message quickly and accurately.

Consecutive interpreting involves the interpreter taking notes as the speaker speaks in their language, and then conveying the message in the target language after the speaker has finished speaking. This type of interpreting is often used in smaller settings or when only one or two languages are being interpreted.

Conference interpreters must have a deep understanding of the languages they are interpreting, as well as the subject matter being discussed in the conference or meeting. They must also be able to maintain a high level of concentration and focus for extended periods of time. Successful conference interpreters are highly skilled professionals who are essential to facilitating effective communication and understanding in multilingual environments.