World Congress of Science & Factual Producers Sets Tallinn as 2026 Host City 

with Sara Ramsden Named as New Editorial Director

World Congress of Science & Factual Producers (WCSFP) has announced that its 2026 edition will take place in Tallinn, Estonia from 9-12 November 2026, strategically expanding the reach of WCSFP in Northern Europe. As the preeminent global conference and market for the factual media industry, WCSFP brings together an international community to spark new ideas, explore fresh insight into global market and editorial trends, and celebrate excellence in science, history, and content-rich factual programming.

This year, the event will take place in cooperation with Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF), which places attendees at the center of an international film ecosystem while strengthening connections between Baltic and Nordic production communities. Recognised as one of the world’s most advanced digital societies, Estonia provides a distinctive setting that reflects WCSFP’s focus on innovation, technology, and the evolving ways factual content is created, shared, and experienced across platforms.

“As we mark our 30th anniversary, we are proud to partner with WCSFP to connect global industry leaders with our national creative sector,” said Tiina Lokk, Director of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). “PÖFF and its industry arm Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event have built a respected international reputation. As part of its extensive programme, the festival presents Doc@PÖFF’s International and Baltic Competitions alongside outstanding documentaries. We hope delegates leave with new partnerships, fresh perspectives, and ideas that resonate globally.”

WCSFP is also thrilled to announce Sara Ramsden as the new Editorial Director. A highly respected creative leader, Ramsden brings decades of experience shaping some of the UK’s most distinctive factual and entertainment programming. Most recently Creative Director at Love Productions, previous companies include BBC, Sky, Endemol and Channel 4 where she spent over 15 years as a Commissioning Editor for Science.

“We’re thrilled to bring WCSFP and its unique community to Tallinn this year and to partner with PÖFF. We share the same passion for collaboration and innovation in our industry,” said Patrick Hörl, Chair of the WCSFP Board. “As WCSFP is continuously aiming to lead in editorial quality and relevance we couldn't be more proud to welcome Sara Ramsden as our new Editorial Director. She embodies courageous and innovative factual filmmaking in the best possible way. She is a strong leader, a great mentor, and as a longtime member of the WCSFP community, she has produced some of the most daring industry sessions.”

Ramsden will lead the editorial vision for WCSFP, reflecting the rapid transformation of the factual industry. WCSFP 2026 will address key questions facing the sector, including the implications of recent advances in AI and how producers can adapt to tightening schedules and reduced budgets in linear television. Alongside established industry voices, the program aims to bring together leading YouTubers, podcasters, and a new generation of digital creators, focusing on new ways to develop, tell, and reach audiences with impactful factual stories.

"I'm very excited to be curating WCSFP – as a regular highlight in my calendar, I've attended nearly all of them and it's the most stimulating and thought provoking forum, as well as fantastic fun,” says Sara Ramsden, Editorial Director of WCSFP. “Our industry is at a turning point and we need honest discussion to encourage fresh thinking. I want to attract more of the next generation of content creators to WCSFP and for us all to explore new ways of telling important stories. WCSFP will be the place where we'll learn to take more risks to make our storytelling unmissable."

WCSFP is the leading international forum for science, history and factual storytelling across platforms. As a community-driven organization, each year it brings together nearly 600 producers, broadcasters, commissioners, distributors, streamers, scientists, digital creators, and more, from over 30 countries. It attracts key decision makers from organisations such as National Geographic, BBC Studios, Discovery, ITV Studios, PBS, NHK, France Télévisions, CBC, ARTE, ZDF, ABC, Netflix, CuriosityStream, TikTok, YouTube, and Ubisoft. WCSFP is guided by a board of leading players from across the factual broadcast and production sector, who help shape its strategy and ensure its continued leadership and relevance within a rapidly evolving media landscape. The event is administered and managed by Documentary Campus. Registration will open later this spring.