Technology Exhibition Case Study

Why aren't human interpreters enough for large multilingual events?

As global attendance accelerates, in-person interpreters often fall short, both in scale and in cost. By 2023, CEATEC's international audience had grown to the point where organizers needed a scalable, cost-effective solution capable of supporting a growing multilingual audience across keynote stages, pitch sessions, and conference rooms.

The Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies (CEATEC) is Japan's largest and most influential technology showcase. While CEATEC was officially established in 2000, its roots go back to 1962 with the first Japan Electronic Industry Exhibition. Organized by the Japan Electronics Show Association (JESA) under the direction of the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA), the event highlights advancements driving Society 5.0 and next-generation digital ecosystems. With strong backing from the Japanese government, CEATEC continues to attract more international exhibitors, speakers, and visitors each year, making multilingual communication an urgent priority.

Can AI translation handle a high-profile keynote?

Yes. When Japan's Prime Minister delivered the keynote at CEATEC, Wordly powered the translation in real time, in a setting where accuracy, timing, and global comprehension were essential. The Prime Minister spoke, the world understood, and Wordly made it possible. The decision to use Wordly sent a powerful message: AI translation is ready for the international stage.

CEATEC implemented Wordly real-time translation in 2023 to meet growing translation demands, a bold modernization of how Japan's premier tech event communicated with the world. Wordly delivered simultaneous interpretation in dozens of languages, streamed directly to attendees' smartphones and monitors. By scanning a QR code posted throughout the venue, participants could follow speeches, panels, and pitches in their preferred language. From the main convention halls and Tech-Hub to the Pitch Stage and meeting rooms in the International Conference Hall at Makuhari Messe, attendees stayed fully engaged with every moment, regardless of where they were seated or what language they spoke.

The success of real-time AI translation for the Prime Minister's address became a turning point. It proved that AI could meet national-level translation expectations and established a new benchmark for multilingual accessibility at large-scale events. Soon after, JEITA expanded its use of Wordly across additional industry events, and member companies began incorporating the platform into meetings, webinars, and product demos.

Can AI translation increase event attendance and engagement?

The shift to AI translation delivered immediate and measurable impact from 2023 to 2025:

2023

• The Wordly platform supported CEATEC 2023, which hosted 89,047 registered visitors and drew more than 20,000 innovators each day.

2024

• After the introduction of Wordly, CEATEC 2024 attendance surged 25.8% to 112,014 visitors from 25 countries and regions. Overseas exhibitor participation expanded to 158 companies.
• Attendees followed keynotes, panels, and demos in dozens of languages on any device, in real time.
• All JEITA- and JESA-hosted stages fully transitioned to Wordly, with only certain sponsor-led sessions continuing to use in-person interpreters.

2025

• Wordly was used by 1,800 attendees at CEATEC 2025 on 17 stages with more than 75 session hours.
• Japanese, English, Chinese, and a dozen other languages were used throughout the four-day event.
• Attendees followed keynotes, panels, and demos in dozens of languages on any device, in real time.

As CEATEC continued to elevate its focus on AI, global collaboration, and next-generation technology, the integration of Wordly evolved into a symbol of Japan’s commitment to innovation that includes everyone. CEATEC’s decision to rely on Wordly during the Prime Minister’s keynote in 2023 reinforced that message on a national stage.

The Future: A Lasting Shift to AI Inclusivity in Japan’s Innovation Landscape

By adding Wordly, CEATEC moved beyond basic translation and made multilingual access part of how it welcomes the world. CEATEC has already confirmed Wordly will return for CEATEC 2026.

With Wordly now embedded across CEATEC and related industry events, Japan’s leading tech exhibition has defined a new standard for global-ready communication. This ensures that the innovations shaping the future can be understood, shared, and advanced by people everywhere.

About CEATEC

CEATEC is Japan’s largest and most influential comprehensive technology exhibition, serving as a dynamic platform for innovation toward Society 5.0’s sustainable, tech-powered future.

About JEITA

JEITA is Japan’s leading electronics and IT industry association, formed in 2000 through the merger of earlier groups from 1948 and 1958. It oversees a wide range of activities, including standardization, statistics, policy advocacy, exhibitions, and more. Among its affiliated bodies is JESA, which specifically handles the logistics and operations of JEITA’s exhibitions

About Wordly

Wordly helps make every meeting, event, and conference instantly accessible across languages. Its AI-powered platform provides accurate translation and captioning in dozens of languages, along with transcripts and summaries, streamlining communication at any scale. Attendees can join via a simple QR code or link, with no downloads or extra equipment required, ensuring seamless participation for virtual, hybrid, or in-person events.

Enterprise-ready, secure, and compliant, Wordly supports everything from small team meetings to large international conferences. It allows everyone to follow along, contribute, and engage without the expense and logistics of human interpreters.

See it in action – book a personalized demo.