Robin and Carla recap the CLIA WorldSpeak 2026 conference, unpacking M&A trends, AI's real limits in localization, and why selling peace of mind beats selling translation.
What happens when two conference panelists compare notes on the state of the language industry? You get an unfiltered, energetic conversation that covers everything from blockbuster deals to Blockbuster's downfall.
In this episode:
• Why CLIA WorldSpeak went virtual — and what worked (and didn't) about the format
• Renato Beninatto's "peace of mind" reframe: LSPs are no longer selling translation, they're selling confidence
• M&A as a growth strategy — not just an exit plan — and the persistent gap between buyer and seller expectations
• AI's real limits in localization: bad data, Unicode blind spots, and why human-in-the-loop isn't optional
Carla Itzkowich founded International Contact in 1982 and built it into a full-service, multilingual agency over 40 years before selling in 2022. She now advises language company owners on mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategy as Senior Advisor at Foresight Consulting LLC. Carla is a longtime active member of the Association of Language Companies (ALC) and a recognized voice on M&A in the language industry.
Connect with Carla Itzkowich:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlai
Website: mailto:carla@exitforesight.com
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