Vienna is preparing to host the 70th edition of the eurovision Song Contest in 2026, a major event expected to deliver a €52 million economic boost to the Austrian capital.During a recent press conference at the Wiener Stadthalle,organizers unveiled details regarding the event’s artistic direction – including a unique “Postcards” concept showcasing Austrian landscapes – volunteer opportunities,and the upcoming ticketing process. The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) is currently finalizing preparations for the competition, while a decision regarding Israel’s participation remains pending ahead of a December meeting.
| Janet Teplik
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18.11.2025
Austria’s capital is gearing up to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, and organizers recently shared exciting updates, including a first look at the visual style of the event’s “Postcards,” details on volunteer opportunities, and ticketing information. A decision regarding Israel’s participation is still pending.
Music fans, mark your calendars: Vienna will be the center of the musical universe in 175 days (as of November 18, 2025) when it hosts the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The event promises to transform the city into a hub for international musicians. The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) recently unveiled further details about the mega-event during a press conference held at the Wiener Stadthalle. The Eurovision Song Contest is a major cultural event, drawing millions of viewers worldwide and boosting tourism for the host city.
Millions in Economic Impact
“The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is something very special. We are working at full speed to inspire all of Europe, offering unique shows and a celebration for everyone. We are counting on togetherness and want to create special shared moments,” said Roland Weißmann, Director General of ORF, about the upcoming event, which the ECO Austria Institute for Economic Research estimates will generate a value of 52 million euros. The music competition is expected to attract up to 88,000 additional visitors to the capital – including day-trippers, those staying for multiple days, journalists, and crew members. Every euro invested in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 from public funds could potentially generate a total economic value of 1.70 euros. Furthermore, Vienna’s advertising value is also expected to increase, estimated in the triple-digit millions by the Economic Chamber (LEADERSNET reported).
A Look at the 2026 “Postcards”
The “Postcards” are a long-standing tradition at the Eurovision Song Contest. Originally introduced as filler segments between musical performances, they’ve evolved into artistic elements of the shows, showcasing both the host country and the performing artists. For the upcoming event, Gebhardt Productions has been commissioned to create them. Their concept combines real-life footage shot at Austrian locations with studio recordings of the artists, layered together in multiple levels to create immersive worlds – from a chairlift gliding over snowy mountain peaks to an artist miniaturized, wandering through forests and meadows, marveling at oversized plants, and protagonists running across skylines. Each “Postcard” film will also be printed as a real postcard available to the audience, harking back to the invention of the postcard itself in Austria in 1868 by Kärnten’s Emanuel Herrmann.
“In our Postcards, we show Austria from its most beautiful and exciting sides – in modern imagery and with a concept that offers diverse possibilities to integrate the artists. As a special detail, our ‘Postcards’ can then also be sent as real postcards all over the world,” said Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, Program Director of ORF. Filming for the Postcards began in October to capture all seasons. Recordings of the artists will be shot later in the studio.
ORF Calls for Volunteers
During the press conference, ORF announced it is seeking 800 volunteers to be part of the event. “Volunteers shine with enthusiasm and are an indispensable hallmark of the world’s largest TV music competition every year. The Eurovision Song Contest offers the unique opportunity to be part of an international family, meet like-minded people from all over the world, and be involved in something big together,” said Michael Krön, Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest. The application process begins on December 1, 2025. Selected volunteers will work from April 27 to May 17, 2026, at the press center, information desks, Wiener Stadthalle, Rathausplatz, or the airport.
There are already 1,600 applicants from around the world for the stand-in positions. These are professional performers who will represent artists or moderators to test procedures, check positions and show elements, and make improvements. From the large pool, 680 professional dancers and 120 professional singers will be invited to auditions, from which 30 artists will ultimately be selected as stand-in performers for the music competition.
Multi-Stage Ticketing, Inclusion, and Dual Environmental Certification
To ensure a fair and secure ticketing process, a multi-stage system will be implemented, with government, release, and ticket sales phases. More detailed information will be available on the EBU and ORF websites and social media accounts on November 24, 2025. Additionally, the public broadcaster is aiming for a dual environmental certification – “Green Event” and “Green Producing in Film and Television” – with a focus on energy, mobility, waste, and sustainable procurement.
In terms of inclusion, all songs will be produced with music gestures. Shows will also be subtitled and include audio description, with TV moments translated into Austrian Sign Language. Accessibility will also be ensured through a comprehensive service offering at the event locations.
“Vienna Calling” – The National Pre-Selection
For the first time since 2016, there will be a national pre-selection, allowing the TV audience to help decide who will represent Austria. On February 20, 2026, Alice Tumler and Cesár Samson will present “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” live on ORF 1 and ORF On at 8:15 PM. A jury and the public will decide who will represent the country at the Song Contest. So far, more than 500 applications have been received from all federal states – including genres such as Schlager, pop, opera, rock, and country. The ORF editorial team is now working with scouts to select the twelve acts that will participate in the national pre-selection.
Further Details
A decision on Israel’s participation in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest will be made at the EBU General Assembly on December 4 and 5, 2025. Weißmann, who met with Israeli President Jizchak Herzog and representatives of the local broadcaster Kan earlier this month, reiterated that Israel’s participation should take place in Vienna.
LEADERSNET covered the press conference and has compiled impressions in the gallery.
