On 15-16 May 2025, ELIA’s Focus on Executives took place at the St Raphael Resort & Marina in Limassol, Cyprus, offering an exclusive setting for language industry decision-makers to step back, rethink, and engage. But beyond the beautiful location, what set this year apart was the depth: open conversations about tangible transformation.
Beyond an Event: A Strategic Milestone
This wasn’t a typical conference focused on emerging tech or buzzwords. It was a grounded, action-oriented experience. For LSP executives considering expansion, exit strategies, or simply staying competitive in a shifting environment, ELIA Execs 2025 delivered clarity and relevance.
Day 1: Leadership, Positioning, and Essential Questions
Day one was led by Andrzej Nedoma, CEO of Nedoma.io Business Advisory, and structured into four phases: Reality Check, New Positioning, Adapt, and Win Again. This session wasn’t about frameworks or models; it was about rethinking from the inside out. Andrzej’s questions challenged the audience to dig deep: “Who are you becoming as a leader?” “What does your team truly need?” This reflection translated into practical roadmaps to move from stagnation to direction.
Day 2: Strategic Direction and M&A Preparation
On the second day, I focused on how LSPs can navigate disruption with a sharper lens. My message: Don’t chase noise. Understand your edge. Leverage it. AI and shifting client needs are not future risks; they’re present-day realities. The winners will be those who prioritize clarity over breadth and take deliberate steps.
In my follow-up session, we explored M&A. I wanted to clear up the widespread assumption that it’s a path reserved for large companies. In truth, many of today’s deals involve agile, well-positioned small to mid-sized players. These transactions are intentional, strategic, and based on mutual value, not hierarchy. My advice: organize your finances, clarify your strengths, and articulate your positioning. Selling is not a defeat. In many cases, it’s a powerful evolution.
Branding, Market Shifts, and Competitive Identity
In the closing workshop, Riia Carnegie pushed us to face the branding gap. Most LSPs still rely on tired slogans and interchangeable positioning. Her session focused on practical ways to express real value, unique direction, and strong identity. It was less about aesthetics, more about authenticity.
The concluding panel, moderated by Diego Cresceri, unpacked how to align services with rising client expectations. Panelists Gaëtan Chrétiennot, Anikar Michael Haseloff, and Mina Ilieva shared grounded insights on moving from vendor status to trusted partner.
Between Sessions: Authentic Connection
Equally valuable were the interactions outside the sessions. Whether over dinner at Alakati or casual talks at Marina Breeze, the event created space for sincere conversations and new connections.
To everyone who participated: thank you. ELIA Execs 2025 reminded us of the power of thoughtful dialogue and strategic reflection.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for the Language Industry?
If there’s one message to take forward, it’s that the language industry is not standing still. The pace of change is accelerating, driven by automation, evolving client expectations, and increased consolidation. But within that turbulence lies opportunity. For LSPs willing to adapt, specialize, and lead with clarity, there is room not just to survive but to thrive.
M&A will become a more common route, not only for exits but as a tool for growth and specialization. Strategic alliances, focused positioning, and data-informed decision-making will define the next generation of successful LSPs.
This industry still offers enormous potential. But that potential belongs to those who prepare, align purpose with performance, and integrate long-term vision with daily execution.
A special thanks to the planning team, especially Diego Cresceri and Dorothy Scerri, and to our partners at Translate.One for their warm hospitality.
Next stop: ELIA Networking Days in Budapest this September, where we celebrate 20 years of progress, dialogue, and evolution. Let’s carry this momentum forward.
