by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed




Preparations are underway: Austrian national broadcaster ORF officially unveils the core team for Eurovision 2026 in Austria. Here is an inside look at the production, technological innovation, and key figures behind the scenes.

The Austrian national broadcaster ORF has recently finalized the core team that will oversee the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled to take place in Austria in May 2026. With the appointment of three new key figures – a Head of Commercial Affairs, a Technical Production Manager, and an Executive Assistant – the path is set for an event expected to captivate millions of viewers across Europe and around the world. The contest, which has evolved in recent years into the continent’s premier cultural event, already promises new standards, a contemporary vision, and a fierce competition for record-breaking ratings.




The Contest in Europe’s Heart: Behind-the-Scenes Production Insights

Forming the professional team is not only a critical logistical step, but also a strategic move to strengthen the Austrian brand at Eurovision. Nina Kaiser has been appointed Head of Commercial Affairs, and she is expected to set a high bar for collaborations with both local and international advertising markets. Claudio Bortoli is stepping in as Technical Production Manager for Eurovision 2026; he has worked as Technical Production Manager at the ORF since 1999 and was part of the Austrian team for Eurovision 2025. His substantial experience underscores the considerable investment in this year’s impressive technical production.




Analyzing Austria’s Production and Its Significance for Europe

The list of professionals behind Eurovision 2026 continues to expand, and additional names are coming to light:

  • Stefan Zechner – Chief Producer of the contest, Austrian Head of Delegation since 2011, and Eurovision 2015 Producer.

  • Daniel Hack – Executive Producer of the core team.

  • Nina Kaiser – Head of Commercial Affairs.

  • Claudio Bortoli – Technical Production Manager.

  • Christine Tichy – Chief Technology Officer of the core team and former Deputy Production Manager at Eurovision 2015.

  • Martin Szerencsi – Legal Advisor.

  • Roman Horacek – Head of Communications and Head of the Austrian delegation press chief since 2005.

  • Iris Keutter – Marketing Director, also served as Austria’s marketing director in both Eurovision 2014 and Eurovision 2015.

  • Oliver Lingens – Head of Events and Off-Screen Activities.

  • Christina Lassnig – Senior Production Assistant to the Chief Producer.

  • Christina Heinzle-Conrad – Secretary General.




A Personal Perspective

After the live broadcast of the final from Vienna, 11 years ago, I once again realized, as I do every year I watch, just how powerful the energy of Eurovision night is. And it’s not just for those on stage. Eurovision proves time and again that this evening – regardless of songs’ quality – remains significant, impactful, and unifying.

Looking Ahead: Innovation, Challenges, and Expectations

Alongside its professional production, the Eurovision Song Contest faces ongoing challenges in politics, shifting dynamics of technological platforms and social networks, and ever-stronger commitments to cultural diversity and gender equality. Already, debates are active surrounding freedom of expression on stage and the interplay of European politics and art – an issue that has gained unprecedented prominence over the past two years. Many observers believe Eurovision 2026 will feature more artists blending ethnic elements and delivering social critique. Will political issues return to the forefront, or will music finally triumph over politics this year? The answer will come this May.




Vienna vs. Innsbruck: The Final Showdown

Two cities remain in the race to host the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest – Vienna and Innsbruck are still fiercely competing for the honor of hosting the milestone event. The contest’s rigorous requirements, which include advanced logistics, proximity to an international airport, and facilities capable of accommodating thousands of guests, present a major challenge for smaller cities. The host city is expected to be announced toward the end of August, at which point the chosen city will be revealed. The grand final is now narrowed down to two possible dates – May 16th or May 23rd , 2026 – and with the host city announcement, the dates for the semifinals and final will also be published.

  • Innsbruck – The capital of Tyrol, a picturesque mountain city renowned for hosting past Winter Olympic Games and boasting modern sports infrastructure. Innsbruck’s bid highlights the “OlympiaWorld” complex, built for the 1964 Winter Olympics and featuring the impressive “Olympiahalle” arena. This veteran venue, designed for major events and with a capacity of about 12,000, was a finalist for hosting in 2015 but ultimately lost to Vienna.
  • Vienna – Austria’s capital, its largest and most central city, home to the “Wiener Stadthalle” – one of Europe’s largest and most advanced performance venues, which already hosted Eurovision in 2015. Vienna brings proven experience in hosting Eurovision since its acclaimed edition in 2015, which received high praise and positive public opinion among EuroMix followers.

Eurovision 2025: This was Austria’s 57th participation in Eurovision. Austria joined the competition in 1957 and has won three times over the years. Austria’s previous victory was in Eurovision 2014 with the song “Rise Like a Pheonix” performed by singer Conchita Wurst.