eoaLive! Featuring the UK Employee Ownership Awards 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is eoaLive! Featuring the UK EO Awards?

eoaLive! Featuring the UK EO Awards is a one-day live event bringing together the UK employee ownership community to learn, be inspired, and celebrate excellence. The programme includes daytime thought-leadership content, plenary speakers, and networking, followed by the UK EO Awards Gala Dinner and evening entertainment.

When and where is the event?

• Date: 10 June 2026
• Location: Birmingham Library - Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B1 2ND

What ticket types are available?

• Standard Event Ticket – Access to the full daytime programme and the UK EO Awards Gala Dinner and evening entertainment.
• Evening-Only Awards Ticket – Available only to businesses shortlisted for a UK EO Award (subject to availability).

Are discounted or early-bird tickets available?

No. There are no early-bird rates, discounted tickets or promotional pricing available for this event.

How do I book a ticket?

Tickets can be booked via the online registration page. Once booked, you’ll receive a confirmation email with payment details and next steps.

Can I book multiple tickets for colleagues?

Yes. Group bookings are welcome. Each booking will have to be made on each person’s eoa account.

How can I pay for my ticket?

You can pay by:

• Credit or debit card – payment is required in full at the time of booking.
• Invoice – available to organisations at the eoa’s discretion.

When is payment due if I choose to pay by invoice?

Invoices must be paid:

• Within 14 calendar days of the invoice date, and
• No later than 14 days before the event (27 May)

Payment must be received in full before delegates are permitted to attend the event.

What happens if payment is late?

If payment isn’t received by the due date, the eoa reserves the right to:

• Suspend or cancel the booking, and/or
• Apply statutory interest and recovery costs in line with UK legislation.

Who is eligible for an evening-only ticket?

Evening-only tickets are only available to businesses that have been shortlisted for a UK EO Award.

Are evening-only tickets guaranteed if we’re shortlisted?

No. Evening-only tickets are limited and not guaranteed. Eligible businesses will be contacted directly with booking information and availability around six weeks before the event.

What is the cancellation policy?

• On or before 10 May – 50% refund or invoiced for the remaining amount due
• 11 May to 26 May – 25% refund or invoiced for the remaining amount due
• On or after 27 May – no refund, if you have not paid yet, you will be invoiced for the full amount.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing to the event team.

Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes. Tickets can be transferred to another individual within the same business at no charge, up to 5 working days before the event.

Tickets can’t be transferred to another business or resold.

What if I don’t attend on the day?

Delegates who don’t attend are classed as no-shows and are not eligible for a refund.

What’s included in my ticket?

Ticket inclusions will be clearly outlined on the event registration page, but typically include:

• Access to plenary and learning sessions
• Networking opportunities
• Food and refreshments during the day
• Entry to the UK EO Awards Gala Dinner and evening entertainment

Accommodation and travel are not included.

Can the programme change?

Yes. Speakers, sessions and timings may be subject to change.

Can I change my sessions?

Yes, you can change your sessions but going onto your eoa account, this is changeable up to the 10th of May.

How do I share dietary or access requirements?

At the time of booking, you’ll be asked to insert your requirements.

Will the event be photographed or filmed?

Yes. Photography and filming will take place during the event for promotional and communications purposes.

By attending, you consent to being photographed or filmed unless you inform the eoa in advance.

What is the dress code for the daytime portion of the event?

During the daytime we advise comfortable business casual attire.

What is the dress code for the gala dinner and UK EO Awards ceremony and after-party?

For the evening black tie or formalwear is optional.

Can I enter multiple awards categories?

There are restrictions. You can submit a nomination for a people award and a business award but not multiple business categories - i.e. all EO businesses can nominate an ‘Employee Owner of the Year’, 'EO Business Leader of the Year' and 'Trustee of the Year', but can choose just one of the three business categories that is most appropriate to when your business transitioned or how your business is performing: ‘EO transition of the Year’, ‘EO Rising Star of the Year’, or ‘Employee Owned Business of the Year’.

When do we hear if we're shortlisted?

You'll hear if you've been shortlisted by the end of April. You'll receive a communications pack to promote your shortlisted status.

How much should I write in my submission?

There are handy guide lengths next to each question, and we encourage bullets and links to evidence where applicable if you need to condense your achievements.

Do we have to pay to enter or if we win?

No, you do not have to pay to enter the UK Employee Ownership Awards 2026. However, the awards ceremony is hosted at the the eoaLive! at the Library of Birmingham on 10 June, so you'd need a ticket to attend the awards gala dinner.

Who won last year?

• 20/20 Project Management Training – Employee Owned Business of the Year
• Myerson Solicitors – EO Transition of the Year
• Grapevine Telecom – EO Rising Star of the Year
• Josie Weston – Employee Owner of the Year

How will my data be used?

Your personal data will be used to administer your booking and communicate essential event information. Data will be handled in accordance with the eoa’s Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

For booking queries, payments, transfers or cancellations, please contact [email protected]