There were a lot of interesting people attending this year (translators make all conferences more exciting—they’re just such passionate people), and a lot of great panels, events, etc., etc. One personal highlight was having the Open Letter/Univ. of Rochester annual party basically shut down by the security at the Ritz-Carlton. Yes, we rocked it that hard. I’m sure there are stories out there of parties from years past (feel free to flood the comments section), but in my short time of going to MLA, I’ve never heard of anything quite like that . . .

But on a less drunken and more orderly note, the real highlight was the series of interviews Erica Mena and I did for the forthcoming Reading the World podcast series. We still have a few things to record, and all the editing has to be done, but the goal is to start releasing these at the end of January/beginning of February. I’ll post more information as it becomes available, but damn, based on our conversations with Suzanne Jill Levine, Larry Venuti, Bill Johnston, and Susan Harris, I think these are going to be incredible. (Yes, I know I’m biased.) Each episode (with an exception or two) has a short reading and a long discussion on practical and theoretical translation issues. If you’re a fan of this blog, I can guarantee that you’ll love these conversations . . .

Anyway, next week we’ll be back full time. In addition to general posts and more entries in the Making the Translator Visible series, we’ll be running a review of Unai Elorriaga’s on Monday, and on Tuesday we’ll be announcing the 25-title fiction longlist for the 2010 Best Translated Book Award . . .

This year’s convention takes place in Philadelphia from the 27th until the 30th, and the focus is “Translation,” which should make this one of the most interesting and enjoyable MLA conventions of recent memory. I’m sure that I’ll end up writing a lot of posts about the different panels, people who attend, etc., and as I mentioned previously, Erica Mena and I will be recording a series of podcasts for a series we’re planning on launching next year.

In addition to podcasts, and great exhibitors (can’t wait to see Declan from New Directions, Sara from NYRB, and John from Penguin again), the annual Open Letter/Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ MLA reception will take place on Tuesday, December 29th from 5 – 7:00pm at the Ritz-Carlton on 10 Ave. of the Arts.

So, if you’re going to be in the area, please feel free to swing by. The event will be in the Univ. of Rochester suite (should be a sign in the Ritz-Carlton lobby pointing you in the right direction) and there will be some drinks and appetizers. (I’m in charge of appetizers, so I recommend focusing on the liquor part.) And really, you’re welcome to come even if you’re not officially affiliated with MLA. Should be fun . . .

¹ And, at least this year, decade-end lists.

² to support Open Letter/Three Percent.

³ Actually, this is the last time that the MLA will take place in December. Instead of taking place during everyone’s vacation time between Christmas and New Year’s Day, from now on the conference will take place in early-January, making it even easier to renege on all resolution, attempts to curb drinking and depression, etc. etc.