44
42
Countries in Baku.
Initial Meeting
Initial meeting of the Heads of Delegations from the 42 countries partaking in the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 was
held in Baku on March 19-20, 2012. This meeting arranged two months prior to the contest is viewed as one of impor-
tant milestones in preparation to the event. In the course of the meeting, the overall idea regarding the forthcoming
show is formed in participating countries, the songs to be performed are approved, and the major areas of concentra-
tion in preparation activities identified.
During the two-day-long meeting held at the Eurovision Center, the Heads of Delegations were briefed on a broad ar-
ray of issues ranging from the main priorities in the preparation process to the Baku show, to stage design, transporta-
tion services, hotels, the host city’s readiness to the event, etc.
On March 20, Draw Allocation Ceremony was held with a view to determining the sequence of performances of each
country’s representatives. The ceremony was broadcast live by the Eurovision TV.
The meeting held during the Spring Holiday (Novruz Bayramy), provided an excellent chance to the heads of 42 na-
tional delegations to get better familiar with the city of Baku. A history living in each and every stone and an open-
hearted character of the Bakuvians left an indelible imprint indeed. Meanwhile, the guests got a chance to see the
Baku Crystal Hall, the arena for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. This made them totally confident in a fascinating
show to come, and that was exactly the message they conveyed to their respective delegations.