I swear, the schedules are released earlier and earlier as the years go by (not that that's a problem).
An interesting distribution of competing countries to say the least, and it's nice to see that many of them that I had predicted for 2010 did in fact make an appearance, namely Portugal, France, Italy, Canada and USA (who are, again, back to back). I also had Sweden as an alternative choice, so it's a pleasure to have them as part of the competitors. Additionally, I predicted that the displays would take place once per week (on Saturdays) for 2010, and it appears that became reality - the competition is lasting for a good two months.

I find it neat that my brother is having a display falling on his birthday, and Italy (hopefully I.P.O.N SRL) to boot.

Poland and Taiwan were the most unexpected for me.
The only thing I don't really care for is that hommage to Celine Dion stationed dead smack in the middle of the competition, as it takes up a spot for another potential entrant - it probably would have been more appropriate if a participant concocted a theme centered around her greatest hits for a display. It also seems that there is a new trend for closing shows, seeing that there is again only a 10 minute display following the awards ceremony. That would make for two years in a row that Panzera hasn't done a closing.
Anyhow, I'm similarly hoping that some of my predictions regarding the representing firms are correct.
Trav.
