User:Translator330/sandbox

The American Translators Association (ATA) was founded in 1959 and is now the largest professional association of translators and interpreters in the United States with more than 10,000 members in 90 countries. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in translation and interpreting as a profession or as a scholarly pursuit.[3] Members include translators, interpreters, teachers, project managers, web and software developers, language services companies, hospitals, universities, and government agencies. ATA offers certification examinations for its members in some language combinations[4] and is affiliated with the International Federation of Translators (FIT). The association is headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. Unlike a trade union, the ATA represents both "labor" and "management"—that is, both the translators who produce written translations and the translation agencies who purchase them. The ATA likewise does not provide benefits, such as collective bargaining or health insurance, to its freelance members

ATA offers a variety of programs, benefits, and support services.

•	Annual Conference. The largest ATA meeting, this conference is held every fall in a major city in the U.S. The meeting showcases workshops, educational sessions, exhibitors, a job marketplace, and networking events. •	Certification. ATA offers a certification exam to translators in 26 language combinations. Becoming ATA certified allows translators to document their abilities objectively in a specific language combination. •	Professional Development. The Association organizes an annual series of seminars and mini-conferences throughout the U.S. to provide advanced education and training in diverse specialties and languages. •	Honors and Awards. To encourage, reward and publicize outstanding work done by both seasoned professionals and students of the craft, ATA presents several awards and scholarships during the Annual Conference. •	Divisions. Through 18 specialty-specific divisions, ATA provides a way for members with common interests to network more effectively. The divisions offer newsletters, online forums, seminar and conference presentations, and networking sessions. •	Local Groups. ATA chapters and affiliates provide regional information, marketing, networking, and support services to local translators and interpreters. •	Client Education. The Association has developed publications, reports, and surveys to educate customers of translation and interpreting services about the value of using professional translators and interpreters.

ATA's primary goals are to foster and support the professional development of translators and interpreters and to promote the translation and interpreting professions.[6] The Association offers a variety of programs and services in support of these goals, including a series of one-day seminars and workshops throughout the year and an ATA Annual Conference every fall—both of which feature education and training concerning diverse specialties and languages.