As association leaders operate in a global marketplace where knowledge must cross borders, languages, and cultures, accessibility has become a strategic necessity. That priority was evident at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, held August 15–18, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center, where Wordly provided real-time translation and captions for more than 5,500 attendees.
With association executives serving increasingly multilingual and multicultural memberships, The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) broadened its accessibility approach by deploying Wordly across all Learning Labs. Attendees, including those who are hearing-impaired, Deaf, or who speak a language other than English at home, could scan a QR code to access instant captions or translations in their preferred language, making session content easier to follow and engage with in real time.
“By integrating Wordly’s technology throughout the Annual Meeting, ASAE reinforced its commitment to inclusive learning, accessible event design, and true language equity,” said Wordly Founder & CEO Lakshman Rathnam. “For an industry that serves a global audience, ensuring every participant can fully engage is essential to advancing the conversations shaping the future of associations.”
Accessibility Designed for a Global Association Community
Wordly’s platform supported ASAE’s focus on equitable learning by offering:
● Real-time captioning for Deaf and hearing-impaired attendees
● Multi-language translation across dozens of languages
● QR-code access without downloads or special equipment
● Equal engagement for attendees navigating complex policy, governance, and leadership content
These tools helped ensure that global perspectives could be exchanged without linguistic or auditory barriers, an increasingly essential capability for associations competing in today’s international environment.
Opening Keynote Sets the Tone
The meeting opened with an immersive keynote from Oz Pearlman. Pearlman blended mentalism, leadership insights, and audience participation, aligning with the event’s theme, Driven by Purpose.
A Partnership Focused on Inclusion
ASAE continues to be a valued partner to Wordly, advancing accessibility and innovation across the association sector. The Annual Meeting brings together executives from across the country for strategic learning, networking, and an expo dedicated to strengthening association leadership.
