Building Connections Beyond Language: Mercari at TransPerfect’s GlobalLink NEXT 2025
Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend TransPerfect’s GlobalLink NEXT 2025, an annual gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and peers who are shaping the future of global content, AI, and digital communication. For Mercari, this was our first time attending the event — and what an inspiring debut it was.
The day was a celebration of ideas, collaboration, and innovation. It brought together experts and practitioners who share a common vision: to make communication seamless across languages, cultures, and technologies. The conference was filled with insightful talks and meaningful conversations that reflected just how quickly the worlds of translation, localization, and AI are converging to redefine how we connect globally.
A Day of Innovation and Insight
GlobalLink NEXT 2025 brought together an impressive lineup of speakers from organizations such as Adobe, Mitsubishi Electric, Medpace, and Japan Aviation Electronics (JAE). Each session was a deep dive into how global companies are managing multilingual content, leveraging AI to enhance search and personalization, and driving scalable digital transformation strategies.
The discussions ranged from the use of Generative AI in translation workflows, to AI-powered website deployment and real-time AI interpreting solutions that are redefining cross-border collaboration. It was fascinating to see how diverse industries – from life sciences to manufacturing to tech, are embracing these tools while staying focused on quality, context, and cultural authenticity.
What stood out most was the balance between automation and empathy. The event emphasized that while technology can accelerate translation and communication, the heart of true connection still lies in human understanding – a philosophy that resonates deeply with Mercari’s mission of enabling effortless exchange and belonging.
Conversations That Connect
Beyond the sessions, the event also created space for meaningful networking throughout the day. Over coffee breaks and informal chats, I had the chance to exchange ideas with professionals facing similar challenges – from scaling multilingual content efficiently to maintaining authenticity in brand voice across regions.
These conversations were open, curious, and energizing. They reminded me that even in an increasingly digital, AI-driven landscape, the most valuable insights often come from human connection – from sharing stories, learning from peers, and realizing that we’re all trying to bridge the same global gaps in our own unique ways.
Why This Matters for Mercari
For Mercari, attending GlobalLink NEXT 2025 was more than just an event, it was a reaffirmation of what we value most as a global company. Our teams across Japan, India, and the U.S. are continuously working to make communication smoother and collaboration stronger. The ideas shared at the conference aligned perfectly with our ongoing efforts to build a culture that thrives on inclusivity, innovation, and understanding.
As we continue expanding our global footprint, events like these remind us that language is not a barrier, but a bridge. The future of communication lies in the thoughtful blend of human creativity and technological intelligence – a balance Mercari strives to bring into every interaction, every story, and every connection.
A Grateful Reflection
It was an absolute privilege to represent Mercari at GlobalLink NEXT 2025. I left feeling inspired by the wealth of knowledge in the room and hopeful about the direction our industry is heading. A big thank-you to TransPerfect for curating such an insightful and well-organized event, and to all the speakers who generously shared their expertise and experiences.
Here’s to more conversations that connect, innovations that inspire, and collaborations that make the world feel just a little smaller – and a lot more connected.