Special Interest Groups

GALA Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are global communities that connect members on topics of shared interest.

Each SIG is led by volunteer moderators and features a regular meeting and an online forum. Meetings encourage networked learning, with mini-presentations, special guests, and peer-to-peer discussion. 

We offer two ways for GALA members to participate in SIGs: you can either become a SIG member or simply attend meetings. As a SIG member, you’ll get access to the forum, receive special announcements and opportunities through the SIG mailing list (1-2 emails per month), and be recognized as a committee member.

Click the button below to join one or more special interest groups or visit the event calendar to register for an upcoming meeting.*

Become a SIG Member Register for a SIG Meeting

Note: a GALA user account is required to join a special interest group or register for a SIG meeting. 

GALA’s Audiovisual Localization SIG connects the supply-side, buy-side, and technology companies into a single community focused on collaborative growth. The group explores the latest trends, technologies, and processes in handling complex multi-modal localization projects.

Who Should Join?

GALA members working in audiovisual localization or interested in learning more about it. Meetings will cover both beginner and advanced topics.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Ralph Jung (Dell Technologies), Andrea Ballista (VOISEED SRL), and Carlo Eugeni (University of Leeds).
  • Meetings are on the second Thursday of alternating months at 8:00 am Pacific / 17:00 CET. The 2025 meetings will be in February, March, May, July, September, and November. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Audivisual Localization SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • GALA membership required.

Content & Publications

GALA’s Client SIG is a collaborative forum for professionals focused on localization and multilingual communications within global enterprises. Here, they can freely share knowledge and learn from each other's experiences. Meetings feature expert guests and discussions unique to internal departments, such as in-house evangelization, adapting new technology, and process innovation.

Who Should Join?

GALA members employed by end-client organizations seeking community and knowledge to develop their professional skills.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Agnes Schöndorni-Schönner (GoTo Technologies), Julia Carrasco (Coupa), and Pia Bresnan (Uber).
  • Meetings are on the third Wednesday of alternating months at 8:00 am Pacific / 17:00 CET. The 2025 meetings will be in February, March, June, September, and November. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Client SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • Requirements include GALA membership and employment by a client organization.

The Inclusive Language SIG explores developing linguistic considerations relating to inclusivity, belonging, and accessibility. The group explores different themes, including implementing inclusive and accessible language initiatives, updates to terminology, and global linguistic developments.

Who Should Join?

All members that have an interest in language evolution and in providing an inclusive experience for the end-user.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Serge Ansar (International Baccalaureate), Amanda Hawthorne (Electronic Arts), Bettiana Quiroga (Eriksen Translations Inc), and Liza Dziahel (Alconost).
  • Meetings are the fourth Wednesday of the month, once per quarter at 8:00 am Pacific / 17:00 CET. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Inclusive Language SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • GALA membership required.

Content & Publications

GALA’s Interpreting SIG is a community dedicated to the advancement of the interpreting sector. Its mission is to unite clients, suppliers, and technology providers to advance collaborative solutions, to promote the value of professional interpreting services, and to provide support and education for interpreting professionals.

Who Should Join?

All members working in interpreting services and those to learn more about best practices and emerging technologies in interpreting.

Group Info

  • Moderated by Viviana Bernabe (Welocalize), Aki Hayashi (Dell Technologies), Giulia Silvestrini (Acolad), Alan Evans (Meehan Group), and Claudio Fantinuoli (KUDO, Inc.).
  • Meetings are the second Wednesday of alternating months at 8:30 am Pacific / 17:30 CET. The 2025 meetings will be in January, March, May, July, September, and November. See the Event Calendar to register for upcoming events.
  • The Intepreting SIG Forum is hosted on Basecamp (group registration required).
  • GALA membership required.

Content & Publications

*Requests to join a SIG are moderated by GALA staff. When you are approved, the SIG will appear in your list of "Committees" and you will receive a notification from Basecamp that you were added. As a SIG member, you may receive communications from the group, such as surveys and announcements.

You will need to register for SIG meetings. The registration information can be found on the Event Calendar. After completing the registration information, you will receive a confirmation via Zoom with your unique link to join the call. SIG meetings are not recorded in compliance with many of our members's privacy policies.

Questions about joining a SIG? Contact us at [email protected].