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

Please note that due to an extremely high volume of Congress registrations, there are no longer rooms available at the Hilton Florence Metropole from the nights of December 1st through December 4th. For accommodations at a preferred WCSFP rate, please see below.

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 HOTEL

This year, preferred room rates will also be available for WCSFP delegates at the following two Viva Hotels: Alexander Novoli and Laurus al Duomo.

VIVA HOTEL ALEXANDER NOVOLI
Viale Guidoni, 101 Tel: 39-055-4378951

RESERVATIONS

To reserve your room, please click here.

WCSFP Delegate Preferred Rates:

€75/night (single room, single use)
€79/night (double room, single use)
€85/night (double room, double use)

VIVA HOTEL LAURUS AL DUOMO, FLORENCE
Via de’ Cerretani, 54/R Tel: 39-055-2381752

RESERVATIONS

To reserve your room, please click here.

WCSFP Delegate Preferred Rates:

€130/night (single room, single use)
€130/night (double room, single use)
€135/night (double room, double use)

Testimonials

WCSFP is a highlight every year on my calendar. The informal vibe leads to non-pressurized commission discussions on one hand, and what can be some spirited discussions or side splitting hilarity in the sessions on the other. Meaningful topics from global warming, teaching evolution, how to make a vat of murky salt water look like amniotic fluid peacefully co-exist with issues like the nature co-production relationships, and how to get that final bit of funding. If you care about the craft of non-fiction films, and like seeing people defend their passionately held views on stage, this is the place for you. It’s group therapy for the filmmakers and net execs alike.
— Chris Hoelzl, Head of Development, Smithsonian Networks
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