WCSFP SELLS OUT IN MELBOURNE WITH OVER 500 DELEGATES IN ATTENDANCE
Following four days of lively and informative sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and unforgettable social events, the 2009 World Congress of Science and Factual Producers has officially come to a close. Over 500 delegates congregated at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne, Australia for the sold out industry conference that brought together science and specialist factual producers and broadcasters from Australia and around the world.
Highlights of the 2009 WCSFP included blockbuster panels such as SYDNEY’S VIEW FROM MELBOURNE with National Geographic International’s executive vice president, content Sydney Suissa, ABC presenter Robyn Williams and the team behind THE LINK - UNCOVERING OUR EARLIEST ANCESTOR, a journey into the history of the human brain with Williams and Baroness Susan Greenfield, and a presentation of the extraordinary findings of The Genographic Project with ABC’s Sleek Geeks and National Geographic’s explorer-in-residence Dr. Spencer Wells. One-on-one speed dating meetings, scientist networking opportunities and intimate CE, funders and network overviews allowed for over 40 intimate sessions with key decision makers and academics.
A Flickr slideshow of images from this year’s event is now online. Thanks to all of the sponsors, session producers, moderators, panelists, volunteers and staff who helped to make the 2009 WCSFP a resounding success!
HOST BROADCASTER ZDF WILL WELCOME DELEGATES TO DRESDEN, GERMANY FOR THE 2010 WCSFP
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is delighted to announce that next year’s event will take place in Dresden, Germany, and will be generously hosted by leading German broadcaster ZDF. Over 800 years old, Dresden is affectionately nicknamed the “Florence of the North.” While many of its most iconic buildings - including the Zwinger, the Frauenkirche and the Hofkirche - miraculously survived intense bombings during WWII, Dresden saw a magnificent restoration and today offers a picturesque setting dominated by breathtaking spires, towers and domes. Join your colleagues in Germany in 2010 and explore a fascinating city with both rich history and modern twists.
CONGRESS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS TO WCSFP STEERING COMMITTEE
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers is a non-profit, member-run organization. In registering for the event, delegates also become members and are entitled to vote in the organization’s elections. During this year’s Congress, steering committee nominations and elections took place and, at the closing plenary session on December 4, the successful candidates were announced.
Newly elected Steering Committee members are:
- Michael Allder, Executive Producer, CBC Science and Natural History Unit, CBC (Canada)
- Caroline Behar, Head of Acquisitions and International Co-Productions, France 5 (France)
- Werner Vennewald, Producer, Monaco Film (Germany)
- Marco Visalberghi, Managing Director, Doclab (Italy)
These individuals join returning committee members Amanda Evans, Beth Hoppe, Uwe Kersken, Kazuhiro Kitano and Stuart Menzies. Thank you to this year’s out-going committee members Margie Bryant, Ralph Lee, Bridget Whalen and Ellen Windemuth.
SCIENCE AND FACTUAL ONLINE LIBRARY AVAILABLE UNTIL FEBRUARY 2010
During this year’s event, the Science and Factual Online Library saw over 800 visits. Delegates can continue to make use of this valuable tool well into the new year. Thanks to library host AthenaWeb, delegates can enjoy access to the over 175 uploaded videos, as well as opening session What’s the Buzz, and can still upload to the library until it closes at the end of February 2010. To access the Science and Factual Online Library, visit www.athenaweb.com.
