2009 Highlights
Following four days of lively and informative sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and unforgettable social events, the 2009 World Congress of Science and Factual Producers has officially come to a close. Over 500 delegates congregated at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne, Australia for the sold out industry conference that brought together science and specialist factual producers and broadcasters from Australia and around the world.
Highlights of the 2009 WCSFP:
Host Broadcaster ABC welcomed delegates to Melbourne, Australia for the 17th Annual WCSFP, from December 1 through 4.
Leading Australian stakeholders participated to present the Congress, including: Screen Australia, Film Victoria, and the Queensland Government.
A total of 512 delegates from 24 countries attended.
86% of delegates surveyed report they were able to advance projects in development by attending the Congress.
91% of delegates surveyed report they were able to find potential new production partners by attending the Congress.
Returning attendees represented 50% of delegates, continuing a three-year trend of strong retention of core constituents.
16 international companies sponsored the Congress: one Host Broadcaster, one Principal Partner, one Contributing Partner, one Industry Development Partner, one Supporting Partner, four Gold, three Silver, and three Bronze sponsors as well as one Industry Partner.
Industry overview sessions such as What’s the Buzz, hosted by ABC’s Bernie Hobbs along with National Geographic’s Steve Burns, and BBC’s Martin Davidson were delivered to an at-capacity room of delegates.
The number of Speed Dating meetings increased 59%, with a record 192 meetings organized.
33 intimate Close Encounters of the Funding Kind sessions were scheduled over three days. The sessions provided key industry knowledge during closed-door meetings of 18 to 25 delegates at a time.
Special Guest speakers included Anthony Geffen, CEO of Atlantic Productions, who participated in The Link, Sydney Suissa who participated in Sydney’s View From Melbourne, and Dr. Spencer Wells, and the Sleek Geeks: Dr. Karland and Adam Spencer, who participated in We are Family! – The Genographic Project.
Social events were held in Melbourne’s most exclusive venues, including Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, the Melbourne Museum, and the Plaza Ballroom inside the Regent Theatre.