Junior Eurovision’s Head of Delegation Gohar Gasparyan was joined with Sietse Baker, Per Sundin, and Graham Strong on October 11, 2011, at Ani Plaza Hotel for the first official JESC press conference. A group of journalists gathered in the conference room eager to have their questions and concerns addressed. Artak Vardanyan, JESC Head of Press, greeted the journalists and guests, inviting everyone to participate in the discussion.

Gohar stated that voting procedures would not be much different this year as compared to other years. Fifty percent of the results will derive from a professional jury and fifty percent will represent the viewers’ votes. One difference this year will be the time at which viewers can send their SMS votes. This year, viewers will have to eagerly wait until the end of all performances before they can cast their votes. According to Gohar, Armenia’s Dalita will perform 4^th on the night of December 3^rd. It is also known that Russia’s participant will open the contest and the closing performance will be Belgium’s Femke. This year, the final rehearsal will be organized as a concert one night before the finale, on December 2^nd. The concert will be largely similar to the finale, without voting and results. Ticket sales for Junior Eurovision will begin on the 15^thof October. Prices will range from 1,000 AMD to 20,000 AMD and above, noted Gohar. More detailed information will be available on the Internet and on television very soon. In regards to the host for JESC 2011, Gohar stated that they have several candidates, but a final decision has yet to be made. Once they do decide, however, she stated that they would like to inform the public in a surprising and special manner.  

Sietse Baker, Supervisor of JESC 2011, stated that he is very excited about the show. “The event will be significant for Armenia,” said Baker. It is a chance for the country to show what it can do, in regards to event organization and “put Armenia on the map,” noted Baker. He assured that Armenian Public Television’s team is extremely committed, and are well on schedule for Junior Eurovision. The show will consist of “13 talented delegations, arriving at the end of November.” When Baker was asked if there will be any famous participants, he happily stated that due to the big hype of Eurovision in many countries, as well as the importance of the event, many of the young participants are already enjoying fame in their own nations. He feels that the children are ready to “conquer our hearts and win this event.” The Armenian public was concerned, at some point, about whether or not Karen Demirchyan Sports Complex meets the requirements and standards of JESC. Baker stated that the venue meets the necessary requirements to host Junior Eurovision. Per Sundin, representative of HDR Company, which will be technically responsible for the shooting and broadcasting of Eurovision, also offered his insight about the conditions of the Sports Complex. He feels that the venue is “technically capable” of meeting Eurovision standards. Graham Strong, National Director for World Vision Armenia, was asked about his role in JESC. He replied that their goal is to help children of all backgrounds and abilities to reach the top and conquer heights. He feels that not all children in Armenia and throughout the world have equal opportunities, and World Vision Armenia’s participation in JESC is one way to support the youth.

The public is interested about what stage preparations are currently in. Gohar stated that most of the participants are currently preparing their songs, photographs, music videos, and the final performances. Armenia’s participant, Dalita, has spent the last few days filming her music video for “Welcome to Armenia.” The music video, according to Gohar, will be very fun and exciting, and is set to premiere soon. In regards to events surrounding the big day, Gohar and Baker both noted the banners and posters slowly being posted around the city. Following the arrival of the 13 delegations for the participating countries, a first rehearsal will be held the Tuesday before the Grand Finale. There will be a Welcome Dinner the night before. Additional promotions and Eurovision events, interviews, and talk shows will be presented to the public increasingly. Artak Vardanyan added that the Junior Eurovision Diary will begin airing this weekend. Gohar Gasparyan ended the press conference by thanking the journalists and participants, and assuring that the Eurovision Concert on December 2^nd and 3^rd will be a magical show. She added that Armenian Public Television is proud of and delighted for the opportunity to host Junior Eurovision in Yerevan.