So you are coming to the Tees Valley EDI Awards for the first time. Whether you have been nominated, you are supporting someone who has, or you simply want to be part of a brilliant night, it is natural to wonder what to expect. The good news is that the EDI Awards night is warm, welcoming and genuinely joyful, and this short guide will help you feel right at home before you even arrive.
Where and when
The 2026 awards take place on Friday 16 October 2026 at Digital Life, Teesside University, in the heart of Middlesbrough. It is a modern, central venue that is easy to reach from across Tees Valley, run in partnership with Teesside University. Arrive a little early so you have time to find your table and settle in.
What to expect on the EDI Awards night
The evening is a celebration from start to finish. Expect a warm welcome, a chance to meet people from every corner of the community, a meal, and the main event: the awards themselves, where finalists across all fifteen awards are recognised and the winners revealed. There is applause, there are proud tears, and there is a real sense of a region celebrating its own. You do not need to know anyone to feel part of it, and by the end of the night you almost certainly will.
What to wear
The awards are a smart occasion, so most guests dress up and make a night of it. Think smart or formal wear, whatever makes you feel your best. There is no need to overthink it. Comfortable and confident beats fussy every time.
A few first-timer tips
- Come with an open mind. Some of the best moments are the stories you had not heard before.
- Say hello. The room is full of friendly people who share your values, so introduce yourself.
- Celebrate everyone. Whether or not your nominee wins, every finalist has earned their place.
- Take it in. It is a special night, so give yourself a moment to enjoy it.
Getting there and settling in
Digital Life sits in the middle of Middlesbrough, so it is easy to reach by car, bus or train, with parking and public transport close by. Give yourself a little extra time to arrive, find your name and say hello to the people on your table before things begin. If you are coming as part of a group, agree a meeting point in advance so nobody is left wandering. And if you are feeling nervous, remember that most people at their first EDI Awards night feel exactly the same, and everyone in the room is there for the same happy reason: to celebrate the best of Tees Valley.
Whether you win or not
If you are a finalist, being shortlisted is already a genuine achievement, recognised in a room that is there to celebrate you. If your nominee does not take home the trophy, the recognition still means a great deal, and the connections you make on the night often matter just as much as the awards themselves.
Come and be part of it
Your first EDI Awards night could be the start of something you look forward to every year. Book your place, nominate someone before the 2 October deadline, or read more about the awards. We would love to see you at Digital Life this October, so come along and enjoy every minute of your first EDI Awards night.
