FAQ : 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!

FAQ

GENERAL

Is there a delegate list available?
If you have not yet registered for the Congress, you can browse a list of registered delegates here. Once you have registered, you will have access to the WCSFP Online Community which contains contact information, company profiles and more for registered delegates. Customized delegate lists can be generated and outputted from the Online Community. Additionally, a PDF version of the Delegate List will be made available for downloading in the weeks leading up to Congress.

What is the WCSFP Online Community?
In addition to receiving a printed delegate list, as a registered delegate you will have access to our year-round online community where you can create a personal profile containing a photo, contact information, and pertinent information about you and your company. You can use our pre-created searches to search all delegates by name, country, and professional identification. In addition, you can create highly specific delegate searches in order to learn more about the delegates that you are interested in meeting at the Congress.

NEW THIS YEAR: Take advantage of the enhanced WCSFP Online Community features, including the new “MY CONGRESS” tab, in order to make the most of your time during Congress. Let the factual community know about the projects you are bringing to Florence, your goals and objectives for this year’s event, and even your favorite Congress experiences and moments.

REGISTRATION

I have not received a confirmation email. Should I be concerned?
Registration and payment are NOT automatic. All registration forms are received are processed manually on a first-come, first-served basis. You should receive an email within two weeks of submitting your registration form. If you have registered more than two weeks ago and have not received your confirmation email, please e-mail Alan Black.

I am no longer able to attend. Can someone else attend in my place?
Yes. All registration fees are transferable. If you would like your registration to be transferred to a colleague, you must email your request to Alan Black before Friday, November 14th, 2008. There is a $100 CAD administrative fee for this service.

Where do I pick up my registration package?
Registered delegates can pick up your registration package and badge at the WCSFP Host Hotel, The Hilton Florence Metropole (Via del Cavallaccio, 36), on the following dates:

Monday, December 1: 12:00 - 21:00
Tuesday, December 2: 08:30 - 18:30
Wednesday, December 3: 08:30 - 18:30
Thursday, December 4: 08:30 - 14:00

Is registration available onsite?
If space is available and the event is not sold out, as it was last year in New York City, you may register for the conference onsite at the full rate, subject to availability. On-site registrations are subject to a processing fee of $50 CAD and delegate bags and guides are subject to availability.

Will I receive a receipt/invoice for my registration fee?
Yes. Delegates will be emailed a copy of their invoice with their registration confirmation email and will also receive a hard copy of their invoice when they pick up their registration package in Florence.

Why has 20% been added to the published registration fee?
All companies conducting business in Italy (including the administration of conferences) are obliged, as per Italian regulations, to charge a 20% VAT (Value Added Tax) on all goods and services. Depending on your country of origin, you may be able to reclaim the VAT in whole or in part. The WCSFP has partnered with tax reclamation specialist TaxPort in order to assist delegates with VAT reclamation. More information is available here.

SOCIAL EVENTS

What should be worn for social events?
Dress for all evening events is business attire.

Do I need to bring my badge to the evening social events?
Yes. All delegates must bring their badge to all evening social events; without it you may be refused entry. Social events are reserved for registered delegates only. Spouses or partners may attend, but are subject to event fees. Please contact admin@wcsfp.com for details.

HOTEL/CONFERENCE CENTRE

Are fax and delivery services available for delegates?
The WCSFP does not offer these services. However, for those staying at the WCSFP host hotel, couriered packages and faxes can be sent to:

Hilton Florence Metropole Via del Cavallaccio, 36, Florence, Italy 50142 Tel: 39-055-78711 Fax: 39-055-7818020

Will I be able to access the Internet from my hotel room?
Yes. All guest rooms at the Hilton Florence Metropole are outfitted with high-speed Internet access.

What business services are available at The Hilton Florence Metropole?
The Hilton Florence Metropole’s business centre is open 24 hours a day and offers fax, computer workstations, photocopying, Internet and email access, secretarial services, video conferencing, audio/visual equipment rental, shipping/Fedex services and printers.

GENERAL LOCATION INFORMATION

What will the weather be like in Florence during the Congress?
Florence’s average December temperatures range from 14°C (58°F) to 5°C (40°F). Generally, the days are warm and the evenings are a bit cooler. It rarely snows in Florence in the month of December.

FLORENCE TRAVEL TIPS

Want to make the most of your time in Florence? Visit the New York Times Florence Travel Guide for invaluable tourist information and A Taste of Florence for restaurant tips.

If you have travel tips that you would like to share with WCSFP members, please send them to admin@wcsfp.com.

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