Conference & Events
Annual ALTA Conference
The ALTA Conference is the largest gathering dedicated exclusively to literary translation. Each year, around 400-500 ALTA members, literary translators, writers, students, readers, teachers, publishers, and other professionals from all regions of the United States and abroad gather for a vibrant three days in continually changing venues to share ideas and make connections.
ALTA49 will take place October 21-24, 2026 in Portland, OR. ALTA50 will take place November 4-7, 2027 in Tucson, AZ.
Other Events
In addition to the annual conference, ALTA offers programming throughout the year. Find an overview of annual offerings below, and find upcoming dates and deadlines in our calendar.
Available exclusively to members at no additional charge, ALTA’s Pitch Sessions with translation publishers are held twice annually: in May and September.
In these 8-minute Zoom sessions, translators are invited to present a project to an editor from a press or journal in ALTA’s network for possible publication. Participants sign up to meet with an editor of their choice and may receive feedback on their pitch.
This program offers a collaborative experience between one workshop leader and a small group of participants seeking feedback on a brief excerpt of their work. From emerging translators looking to refine their first translation, to established translators looking for help on a tricky passage, these workshops are for everyone.
Held annually on Zoom, this program is open to both nonmembers and members, with members receiving discounted registration. Works can be translated from any language into English, and participants and workshop leaders need not share the same source language.
The Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) conference is an destination for thousands of writers, teachers, students, editors, and publishers of contemporary creative writing held annually in spring.
Each year, ALTA participates in AWP’s conference as a Bookfair Exhibitor and an official Literary Partner. Our programming ensures literary translation is featured at AWP and translators and publishers of translation have the opportunity to connect at the event.