World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) is thrilled to announce the first speakers for Congress '25, taking place this December 8-11 in Rio de Janeiro.

Landing in Latin America for the first time, Congress '25 promises to be a hub of global exchange, offering unparalleled opportunities for producers, broadcasters, and digital innovators to explore new markets, connect and collaborate, and experiment with fresh formats. Against the vibrant backdrop of Rio, Congress ‘25 will highlight the evolution of factual storytelling and the growing intersections between television, film, and digital platforms.

Leading the lineup is Derek Muller, creator of Veritasium, one of the world’s largest and most influential science YouTube channels. With almost 19 million subscribers and billions of views, Muller has transformed the way audiences worldwide engage with science. His keynote will set the stage for Congress '25, spotlighting how creators are reshaping factual storytelling and audience engagement.

Joining us from Los Angeles is Kevin Allocca, Global Director of Culture and Trends at YouTube, whose role places him at the heart of understanding what drives billions of video views daily. His perspective is crucial when platforms and audience habits are shifting rapidly, creating new opportunities for factual producers worldwide.

Rounding out the first announcement, Mariana van Zeller, acclaimed journalist, host, and executive producer of the Emmy Award-winning National Geographic series Trafficked, will share first-hand insight into the risks and rewards of immersive investigative reporting.

"These extraordinary voices reflect the breadth of our programming this year – from digital innovation and global audience trends to bold, innovative storytelling." said Paul Lewis, Conference Director of WCSFP. "Their insights will help set the tone for a dynamic program that brings together the very best of our international community in Rio."

In addition to these headline speakers, Congress ’25 will welcome confirmed representatives from across the global community, including National Geographic, Warner Bros. Discovery, NHK, CBC/Radio-Canada, BBC Studios Science Unit, BBC History Unit, ITV Studios, ZDF/3sat, ORF, SVT, Autentic, WGBH NOVA, France Télévisions, WNET Nature, HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, CuriosityStream, and, from Brazil, executives from Globo and TV Brasil, with more participants joining every day.

Congress is the essential meeting place where decision makers and new talent come together – connecting with peers, exchanging stories, and shaping the future of factual through sessions, partnerships, and new opportunities. With more speakers, panels, and events to be announced, registration is now open for Congress ’25 this December 8-11. Click here to register today.