AINVision Neu Westfalen 2014

AINVision Neu Westfalen 2014 was the ninth semi-annual AINVision Song Contest, which took place in Neu Westfalen after its win with The Naked and Famous song Young Blood in Winter 2013. This was the first win for the debuting country.

Location
On 25 January 2014, Newstream Media revealed hosting bids from Port Lantea, Evelstadt and the surprising inclusion of Zenebach. Despite Port Lantea and Evelstadt being widely considered as the front-runners for hosting rights, Zenebach was confirmed as the host city on May 1; although preparations had already begun before the official announcement.

Winning venue
The city is on the southern bank of Lake Evehalden, on the opposite shore of Evelstadt and contains over half a million inhabitants. The city is a tourist hotspot which gave it an edge in the bidding.

Voss Arena was chosen as the venue for the event, which has a capacity of 15,000 people. It is also a newer building in Zenebach, having only been completed in 2010.

Corporate sponsorship
AINVision Neu Westfalen attracted numerous global sponsors from seven different Alliance countries. Newstream Media (who hosted the contest) managed the event's on-stage and televised audiovisuals in conjuction with Millenium, North Telemobi and Laperouse Mining. Three different banks provided ATM, Mobile banking and other financial services during the event including New Duveland National Bank, GovBank and HSB Groupe.

Companies providing food/catering for the event included Maple Crown Whiskey and MarCus Supermarkets, whilst venue security was awarded to Athena Security Solutions from Illium. Sariah Airways, Pigeon Express and RoyalHistal also provided special air travel deals to both international tourists and the artists themselves. Medical facilities and first-aid supplies were provided by Greystone Medical Technologies.

Other entities which provided funding for the event included the Portland Transit Authority, Lovedelund Trade and Investment, Voss Inc, CARTERrail and Illium National Holdings Bank.

Presenter


Local Zenebach comedian Miranda Lorenz was given the role of hosting the event, which organizers had decided would make a return to the solo-presenter format; common in earlier AINVision contests. Lorenz has made a name for herself around the world with her comedy act, but most notably for playing Mel in the HBO TV-series: Flight of the Conchords.

Following the event, AINVision organizing committee head Charlotte Lemley praised Lorenz's humour and quirky nature whilst presenting the show. Lorenz also received praise from Kingstonaise media, with many comparing her favorably against the previous event's hosts from Kingston & Boyce.

Participating countries
Nations that had left the Alliance of Independent Nations (AIN) since the previous contest included Hong Kong, Islas Verdes, Karasem, Melanesia, Soviyya, Victorinica and runners-up New Holland. Nations making their debut included Illium and Munster, whilst Escambia and Lower Columbia also returned to the contest after a long hiatus. Neu Westfalen as host was required to participate in the contest.

In total 19 nations competed during the event.

Results
Voting results were released on the 16th of July, a week after the end of the performances.

Spokespeople
Asgard - Sammy J & Randy Avaiki - Caireen Erbsleben Cattala - Anna Chriastof Corraile - Leanne Rothesmann Escambia - Jerry Cantrell Goverland - Jessica Almenäs

Hiigara - Zaza Napoli Histalpol - Joel Casalta Illium - Tiffany Snow Kingston and Boyce - Hanna Blackmoore Leeonia - Monica Carr Lovedelund - Emilie Sveistrup

Lower Columbia - Tor van Coevorden New Duveland - Charlie Pickering Neu Westfalen - Andrea Gehl Okatabawashi - Tiffany Leung Sainte-Croix - André Venterient