Highlights of 2010 Conference
Following four days of lively and informative sessions, invaluable networking opportunities and unforgettable social events, the 2010 World Congress of Science and Factual Producers came to a close with over 600 members having congregated at the Westin Bellevue Dresden for the sold out industry conference that brought together science and specialist factual producers and broadcasters from Germany and around the world.
Host Broadcaster ZDF welcomed members to Dresden, Germany for the 18th Annual WCSFP, from November 30 to December 3.
Leading German stakeholders participated to present the Congress, including: ZDF and ZDF Enterprises, MEDIA, MDM, MDR, NDR, WDR, and AG DOK.
A total of 626 members from 29 countries attended.
84 per cent of members surveyed report they were able to advance projects in development by attending the Congress.
86 per cent of members surveyed report they were able to find potential new production partners by attending the Congress.
Returning attendees represented 60 per cent of members, continuing a three-year trend of strong retention of core constituents.
21 international companies sponsored the Congress: one Host Broadcaster, one Contributing Partner, two Public Agency Partners, three Media partners, two Gold, three Silver, and two Bronze sponsors as well as seven Industry Partners.
Industry overview sessions such as What’s the Buzz, hosted by ZDF presenter and journalist Dirk Steffens, were delivered to an at-capacity room of members.
The number of Speed Dating projects submitted increased by 14 per cent, with 200 projects submitted by a total of 86 producers.
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 members at a time.
The Emerging Markets Bursary Program provided no-cost accreditation, travel and accommodation to four established producers from Brazil, Hungary, Iran, and South Africa, providing recipients with meaningful experiences and networking opportunities.
Social events were held in Dresden’s most memorable venues, including the Kurländer Palace, Watzke Ball and Brauhaus, the Frauenkirche, and the Wenzel Prager Bierstuben.
A Flickr slideshow of images from this year’s event is now online. Thanks to all of the sponsors, session producers, moderators, panelists, volunteers and staff who helped to make the 2010 WCSFP a resounding success!