Beyond AI, Beyond the Conference

Observer Editor • January 21, 2026

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Beyond AI, Beyond the Conference

Julli Jaramillo

AI is already part of our professional reality. Not as a concept we debate in the abstract during dinner, but as something that shows up in conversations about tools, ethics, training, expectations, and the future of our work.

That context is what makes the theme of NAJIT’s upcoming Annual Conference, Beyond AI: The Irreplaceable Human Element, feel timely. The response to the Call for Proposals reflects that many people in this field are already thinking seriously about where AI fits, where it doesn’t, and what still needs to be examined more closely.

A conference, however, can only hold so much.

A conference, however, can only hold so much.

Sessions end. Time runs out. Some questions get explored deeply, others barely surface. And many ideas need more space than a single presentation allows.

That’s where The NAJIT Observer and Proteus come in.

These publications exist to extend conversations beyond events. The Observer offers room for reflection, perspectives, and timely discussion. Proteus provides space for deeper analysis, research, and long-form exploration. AI touches both. How we approach it going forward shouldn’t be decided behind the scenes or in one singular space.

So this is an open invitation.

Before the conference takes place, we want to hear what you want to see explored next. Not just at the conference, but in the months that follow. Not polished proposals, just honest direction.

  • What questions about AI are already showing up in your work?
  • What feels unclear, unresolved, or under-discussed?
  • What kinds of conversations would actually be worth continuing in the blog or in Proteus ?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. Short ideas are fine. Specific questions are fine. Unfinished thoughts are fine. These comments will help shape future NTO posts and potential Proteus pieces, including opportunities for contributors who want to develop ideas further in either space.

The conference is one moment in a much larger conversation.

Let’s keep it going in multiple facets together!


Julli Jaramillo is the Publishing Coordinator and Editor-in-Chief for NAJIT. She holds a master’s degree in Translation from NYU and has extensive experience in quality assurance, content development, and strategic growth. Passionate about NAJIT’s mission to uphold ethical standards for judiciary translators and interpreters, she is dedicated to driving the organization’s growth while ensuring its publications meet high-quality standards and adapt to evolving industry demands. In her free time, Julli enjoys baking and creating art.

Feel free to reach out to her (editor@najit.org) to chat about the NAJIT Observer or Proteus—she is excited to collaborate!


Keep the Conversation Going

If this topic resonated with you, be sure to check out our previous blog posts for more insights on the realities of our profession, and the evolving world of judiciary translation and interpreting:

  • Carrying the Work Forward: Welcome 2026 — An overview of how NAJIT continues its work into 2026 through the ongoing efforts of its members, volunteers, and leadership.
  • Webs of Learning in Practice: Webinars — An inside look at NAJIT’s webinar programming and how ongoing learning is shaped through participation, adjustment, and shared professional experience.
  • Stepping Into the Open House — A blog about NAJIT’s Open House and how they introduce members to educational offerings, community resources, and organizational initiatives.

You can find these and more in our blog archives !

The images used in this post are sourced from Unsplash and/or Pixabay . They are used for illustrative purposes only.

We love to hear from our readers! If you wish to make a comment on this blog post, please use the comment box on the page below the post.

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of NAJIT.

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