Accommodations : World Congress of Science and Factual Producers

Network

The premiere event for science and history broadcast executives and producers, the WCSFP connects you with people who are informed and passionate about the craft and business of factual television. And, you can conduct business in a remarkable 2-to-1 producer-to-broadcaster environment: face-to-face meetings are easy, plentiful and productive. It's no wonder things are relaxed: the event is run by an involved member-run community for factual professionals.

Share & Learn

Leading international producers and broadcasters work collaboratively to develop a full-slate of member-produced panels and talks. This "by-the-industry and for-the-industry" model celebrates the best of the genre and explores contemporary issues without holding back nitty-gritty details (yes, panelists talk about what didn’t work as well as what did). You'll find extraordinary analysis and insight through case-studies of complex programs, feisty intellectual debates, and on-stage interviews that feature production visionaries and top network decision-makers.

Explore

For 16 years the Congress has travelled the world, visiting new cities and always welcoming new professionals into the community. Like recent editions in New York, Manchester and Tokyo, the Florence WCSFP will allow delegates a chance to explore the region's great wealth of history and culture. And, when the business day is over, grab drinks with your colleagues and have some real fun too at our lively evening events -what a concept for a television conference!

Accommodations

HOST HOTEL

HILTON FLORENCE METROPOLE
Via del Cavallaccio, 36
Tel: 39-055-78711

RESERVATIONS

To reserve your room, please complete the booking form and email it to the Hilton Florence Metropole’s Congress Reservations Department at eleonora.vignoli@hilton.com or niccolo.consigli@hilton.com, or fax it to 39-055-7871-8082. Deadline for Reservations: October 10.

WCSFP Delegate Preferred Rates:

€120/night (incl. buffet Breakfast)
€105/night (room only)

Enjoy modern luxury at the Hilton Florence Metropole, conveniently located only 4km from Florence International Airport and 20 minutes by free shuttle bus to the city and such attractions as the Uffizi art gallery and the Cattedrale del Duomo. The hotel boasts a brand new wellness centre and whirlpool.

Hilton Florence Metropole provides wireless internet access in public areas and a 24-hour business centre. All rooms and suites feature LCD flat panel TVs and city views. Deluxe rooms also offer fluffy bathrobes.

For delegates wishing to talk business over drinks or share a meal with colleagues without leaving the comfort of their hotel, we recommend:

Luci Della Città Restaurant. Decorated with floor-to-ceiling windows, leather seats and wooden floors, the hotel’s restaurant serves such Tuscan dishes as Florentine T-bone steak and offers a wide range of international wines.
Hilton Florence Metropole Lounge/Bar. Sip a Tuscan Tequila cocktail or try a sweet Italian wine. Watch TV on the 2 plasma TVs or snack on a club sandwich. The lounge bar is open for lunch and dinner.

PREFERRED RATE HOTELS

This year, preferred room rates will also be available for WCSFP delegates at the following two hotels, both located in convenient proximity to the host hotel. Shuttle service to and from the Hilton Florence Metropole will be available.

HILTON GARDEN INN FLORENCE NOVOLI
Via Sandro Pertini, 2/9
Tel: 39-055-42401

RESERVATIONS

To reserve your room, please complete the booking form and email it to the Hilton Gardens Inn's Congress Reservations Department at flrnv-salesadm@hilton.com, or fax it to 39-055-4240-2020. Deadline for Reservations: October 10.

WCSFP Delegate Preferred Rates (double room, single use):

€110/night (incl. buffet breakfast)
€95/night (room only)

Strategically located in the middle of a beautiful park in the northern part of Florence, The Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli offers 121 air-conditioned rooms furnished in a warm contemporary style, a bar and a restaurant facing a spacious portico. The Hilton Garden Inn Florence Novoli hotel also features a 24-hour business centre and complimentary high-speed Internet access in guest rooms with remote printing to the business centre. Perfect for any business traveler or tourist arriving in Florence.

NIL HOTEL FLORENCE
Via Barsanti, 27
Tel: 39-055-431771

RESERVATIONS

To reserve your room, please complete the booking form and email it to the Nil Hotel's Reservations Department at info@nilhotel.it, or fax it to 39-055-447-6093. Deadline for Reservations: October 24.

WCSFP Delegate Preferred Rates:

€100/night (double room, single use)
€115/night (double Room, double use)

The Nil Hotel, one of the newest hotels in Florence, is set in a convenient location and enhanced with modern amenities. The hotel’s sleek and elegant guestrooms and slate of amenities cater to the demands of the purpose-driven corporate and holiday traveler looking for unique accommodation in Florence. Everything the hotel does is centered on guest experience, ensuring comfort and relaxation.

ALTERNATE ACCOMMODATIONS

Below is a list of suggested alternate accommodations in Florence.

HOTEL DAVID FIRENZE
Viale Michelangelo 1,
Tel: 39-055-6811695
Fax: 39-055-680602
info@davidhotel.it

Rate for double room, single use with breakfast: €100/night

Hotel David is located in Villa Drina, an elegant building dating from the late nineteenth-century that was once the summer residence of a distinguished family from Tuscany. Subsequently, the villa was renovated and equipped with all modern comforts, transforming it into a real reference point for anyone who, for business or pleasure, comes to Florence.

HOTEL CASCI
Via Cavour, 13
Tel: 39-055-211686
Fax: 39-055-2396461
info@hotelcasciflorence.com

Rate for double room, single use with breakfast: €83/night

Hotel Casci is housed inside a late medieval palace once owned by the Medici family, as were most of the buildings in Via Cavour. In 1851 the palace was home to the famous composer Gioacchino Rossini, and after its purchase by Mrs. Casci, it underwent extensive renovations and took on its present function as a hotel in 1926. Since 1990, this delightful Florentine hotel has been run with great passion and professionalism by the Lombardi family, whose commitment has brought it landmark status. A cordial atmosphere, frescoed halls, tasty and lavish breakfasts served on a daily basis, and above all, exclusive tips on where to go and how to get there, all add up to make your stay at Hotel Casci an enjoyable experience that you will want to repeat.

COSMOPOLITAN CONCEPT HOTEL
Via Francesco Baracca, 187
Tel: 39-055-4225800
Fax: 39-055-4225850

Rate for double room, single use: €90/night

The first of its kind, uniting the attributes of the “boutique” hotel with the finest aspects of the most modern and luxurious facilities in order to satisfy you, our guest seeking comfort and style in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Cosmopolitan Concept brings impeccable hospitality and cosmopolitan modernity to Renaissance Florence, revealing a new way to enjoy a city famous for its rich historical past, trend-setting present, and ever-evolving future, as seen by the tapestry of events welcoming worldwide visitors. Its sleek design and fresh concepts are unparalleled, offering you the most comfortable experience in luxurious surroundings and first-class concierge service catering to your needs and desires as a modern traveler. Ideally located in the business district of Florence and minutes from the historical city’s centre, Cosmopolitan Concept Hotel is the perfect solution for business or pleasure.

Testimonials

I have been attending the WCSFP since its first edition and I have always considered it as an event not to be missed. It’s not only that the sessions are truly inspiring, that almost everyone in the business is there and that you always end up learning something new, but it is also the friendly and informal atmosphere that makes it a truly professional but at the same time fun and relaxing event. And this time it’s my own country’s turn…I can’t wait to greet you all in Florence.

— Daniela Bagliani, Acquisitions and Coproductions Manager, Documentary Dept., RTI SpA - Mediaset Group
I have been attending the congress for three years and every year I return to find new filmmakers, innovative ideas and lively discussions and workshops. As science is rooted in almost all of National Geographic’s programming, Science Congress continues to be one of our top priorities year after year.
— Bridget Whalen, Vice President, Development, Co-productions, and Acquisitions, National Geographic Channel
The WCSFP is my favorite industry meeting. It’s the mix of interesting people, great panels and sessions and relaxed atmosphere that make them so valuable. Other industry meetings are valuable in their own way, but none have the blend of intellectual zest and sense of humor that mark the WCSFP. I’m looking forward immensely to this year’s gathering.
— Tug Yourgrau, President, Powderhouse Productions
I enjoy WCSFP’s practical focus on the new trends plus the sobering versus inspiring realities facing science programme production today. The inevitable result of this dynamic conference is that we all rise to the challenge. What could be better?
— Ellen Windemuth, Managing Director, Off The Fence
The WCSFP features a unique blend of debates in various lively formats, screenings, case studies and trend spotting. It provides an overview of the global industry, and facilitates business meetings in a very relaxed atmosphere that mixes the fun with the serious. Moreover, every year it allows us to discover a different country and its television landscape. So as an old timer, I would encourage everybody in the science and history film and television industry, and especially the people who’ve never attended, to book a flight to Florence for the first days of December 2008.
— Fabrice Esteve, Producer, DOCSIDE Production
We are proud to act as the Host Broadcaster and to add RAI’s name to the list of other internationally renowned broadcasters like WNET/Thirteen New York, the BBC and NHK that have most recently undertaken this position. We look forward to this year’s event and to joining with the international factual community to debate, do business and to socialize in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
— Giancarlo Leone, Deputy Managing Director, RAI
The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers continues to be one of the most important international gatherings for like-minded filmmakers and producers. What I like most about it is that it is much more than a marketplace - it is a place that provides a singular opportunity for professionals to probe deeply into the creative aspects of our craft. I would not miss it.
— Melanie Wallace, Senior Series Producer, NOVA, WGBH