NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

MIDWEST

NETWORKING EVENTS

CHAPTER TEAM:

Joe Pancamo, BDO

Bojan Balaban, Verano

Thinh Nguyen, KPMG

Anne Hajigeorgiou, Morgan Stanley At Work

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

Julie Vander Veen, UBS

Amy Reback, Edelweiss Consulting

CONTACT THE CHAPTER TEAM

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEST CHAPTER

This local chapter community is dedicated to sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to help members develop their skills, expand their networks, and make a positive impact in their communities. You will have access to a wide range of valuable resources and opportunities including educational sessions and networking events.

SUBSCRIBE TO CHAPTER NEWSLETTER - COMING SOON!

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

17 September 2025, 10am - 5pm PDT

15TH ANNUAL NORCAL FORUM

San Mateo, CA

USA

Save the date to connect with your NorCal community this September in San Mateo, CA!

SAVE THE DATE

LIVE WEBCAST

20 May 2025, 10 - 11am PDT

MASTERING MOBILITY: TACKLING PAYROLL TAX CHALLENGES FOR MOBILE EMPLOYEES

Marelene Zobayan, Rutlen Associates, Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA, Marianne Friebel, Dolby

Design and strategy

Employee engagement

All plan types

Global

Navigating payroll tax obligations for mobile employees is a complex challenge, often complicated by unreliable data, payroll system limitations, and employee expectations. Without a solid strategy, compliance risks and administrative headaches can quickly pile up.
Join this expert panel to uncover common pitfalls and practical solutions for streamlining mobility tax compliance. Learn how to clean up key data, navigate payroll constraints, and implement best practices to minimize surprises and improve the employee experience.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Educate internal stakeholders to align expectations and improve compliance.
Navigate payroll system limitations and enhance communication with payroll teams.
Manage unexpected tax outcomes, including double social security taxation, with proactive planning.

WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST:

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

LIVE WEBCAST

13 May 2025, 10 - 11am PDT

VESTING UNDER PRESSURE: NVAVIGATING T1 TIMELINES AND EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT

Ben Brettell, Reward Pro
Will Broad, Winterflood
Tom Giles, Winterflood
Tom Gwinnell, Reward Pro
Adva Lewitte, Shareforce

Trending now

All plan types

Global

When it comes to executive share plans, the vesting process is already complex—but add T1 into the mix, and the stakes get even higher. With tighter timelines, increased scrutiny, and more stakeholders involved, ensuring a smooth, compliant, and well-communicated vesting process is critical.

Join experts from ShareForce, RewardPro, and Winterfloods as we navigate the biggest challenges in executive plan communications and reveal strategies to stay ahead under T1 constraints. Packed with real-world insights and actionable solutions, this session is essential for issuers looking to improve efficiency, accuracy, and executive engagement in their share plans.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Streamline vesting workflows and stakeholder coordination to maintain accuracy and efficiency under accelerated timelines.
Enhance executive understanding of share plans by simplifying complex concepts and reinforcing their value.
Leverage technology and clear communication to improve engagement and ensure a seamless experience

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

8 May 2025, 11:30am - 1:30pm PDT

PACIFIC NORTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING

Seattle, WA or Virtual

Legal and regulatory

All plan types

USA

Navigating the Future of U.S. Business Immigration: Challenges and Changes

Join us for an insightful discussion on the current state of U.S. business immigration, focusing on H-1B and other work permits, the impact of federal government cuts, the status of travel bans, and predictions for what lies ahead in immigration policy and how it impacts world of global equity.

LOCATIONS

In-Person
KPMG Seattle
401 Union St
28th Floor
Seattle, WA 98101

Virtual - Join us from wherever you are - virtual details will be emailed after registration

Generously hosted KPMG

IN-PERSON CONFERENCE

28 April 2025, 8am - 30 April 2025, 3pm CEST

GEO'S 26TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

PRAGUE

All plan types

Global

SAVE THE DATE FOR GEO'S 26TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE

PRAGUE - 28-30 APRIL 2025

STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS!

SAVE THE DATE

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

17 April 2025, 12 - 2pm MDT

GREATER ROCKIES, UTAH CHAPTER MEETING

Lehi, Utah

Operational effectiveness

All plan types

USA

THE OPERATIONAL DEBATE: STREAMLINING EQUITY PLANS

In the world of equity compensation, operational hurdles are where the real debates begin. How do you strike the right balance between automation and hands-on management? Should compliance be centralized or tailored to local requirements? This session dives deep into the key operational challenges of equity plan execution, from data management and participant communications to administrative efficiency and compliance oversight. Experts will debate the pros and cons of different operational strategies, offering insights to help you optimize processes, reduce complexity, and ensure your equity plan runs like a well-oiled machine. Prepare to engage in this discussion on the most effective ways to handle operational roadblocks.

This session will include a lunch.

LOCATION
Adobe
3900 Adobe Way
Lehi, UT

Thank you to our sponsor

There is no charge to attend this meeting. Both members and non-members are welcome to join.

LIVE WEBCAST

10 April 2025, 10 - 11am PDT

GLOBAL EQUITY UPDATES Q1 2025

SPEAKERS: Barbara Klementz, Baker McKenzie | Kela Shang, Baker McKenzie

Trending now

All plan types

Global

GEO is dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest developments in equity compensation worldwide. Stay up-to-date with the fast-paced changes in the industry. In this session, we'll delve into new regulations, reporting obligations, and recent guidance issued in the industry during the past quarter.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Gain insights into the latest regulatory changes impacting equity compensation globally
Understand new reporting obligations and compliance requirements affecting your company's equity plans
Learn valuable industry guidance to navigate emerging challenges and opportunities in equity compensation

WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST:

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

3 April 2025, 2 - 5:30pm EDT

BOSTON CHAPTER MEETING

Boston, MA

Design and strategy

Legal and regulatory

All plan types

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)

USA

Unlock the Power of Employee Equity

Employee stock plans are a key component of a competitive compensation strategy, but designing, managing, and keeping them compliant—especially on a global scale—can be complex. Join us for two insightful sessions led by industry experts as we explore best practices for Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) and navigate the latest global tax updates affecting equity compensation.

You’ll gain actionable strategies to optimize your stock plans and ensure compliance in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Session 1: Development and Review of Your Employee Stock

Discover how Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) can be the ideal complement to a robust Compensation and Benefits portfolio. In this session, we will share insights into how Fidelity supports plan sponsors—from the initial design phase through effective communication, seamless ongoing administration, and accurate financial accounting.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Designing Effective ESPPs: Learn the fundamentals of creating a plan that aligns with both company objectives and employee expectations.
Strategic Communication: Understand best practices for engaging employees and ensuring they grasp the benefits of the plan.
Administration & Accounting Excellence: Gain insights into efficient ongoing administration and the financial accounting practices essential for maintaining a successful ESPP.

SESSION 2: GLOBAL UPDATES

Keeping up with the ever-changing taxation landscape for global stock plans can be challenging. This session focuses on the latest trends and emerging tax updates that could impact your global share plans, ensuring you stay ahead of compliance challenges.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Navigating Current Global Tax Regulations: Get an overview of the current international tax environment affecting stock plans.
Forecasting Tax Trends: Learn to anticipate upcoming changes and understand their potential impact on global share plans.
Ensuring Compliance: Explore practical strategies to keep your global stock plans compliant in a dynamic regulatory landscape.

Join us for after the sessions for some networking in the Deloitte offices from 4:00 to 5:30pm.

These sessions will be eligible for CEP credit.

In-Person
Deloitte Office
115 Federal Street
Boston, MA

There is no cost to attend this chapter meeting, and GEO members and non-members are welcome, but registration is required.

LIVE WEBCAST

1 April 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT

DOING MORE WITH LESS: CUTTING THE NUMBER OF QUESTIONS IN HALF

SPEAKERS: Amit Gupta, Salus Financial | Robyn Shutak, FGE, Infinite Equity

Communications

All plan types

Global

Join us as we explore strategies and evidence-based approaches to cut the number of questions your team has to answer in half. Answering equity compensation questions from employees requires reading up on an individual's situation, understanding regional nuances, and taking on personal reputation risk when answering. But, that’s just one of the many drains on your time we will dive into.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Understand the moments in time that create the most confusion for employees
Learn actionable strategies to free up your team's time while also leveling up your participants' expertise
Set yourself up to access further time-saving opportunities in your day-to-day work even with a limited budget

WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST:

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only. Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

GEO members in your area can come together to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow members who share similar interests via GEOconnect. Whether you're a long-time member or a newcomer, we encourage you to participate and contribute to the vibrant discussions happening here.

VIEW CHAPTER Discussion BOARD

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBER ONLY

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Access details of past local events and their materials. Whether you missed an event or want to revisit the content, our community discussion board provides a platform to access event information, including presentations, videos, and discussions.

COMING SOON

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBER ONLY

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Explore the GEO Insights area, where you can filter by region to access the latest events, articles, survey findings, and reports. Stay updated with the latest information and insights specific to your region, and gain valuable knowledge from our curated content.

View regional news & resources

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBER ONLY

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

CHAPTER TEAM:

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEST CHAPTER

REGIONAL RESOURCES

THE OPERATIONAL DEBATE: STREAMLINING EQUITY PLANS

Session 1: Development and Review of Your Employee Stock

SESSION 2: GLOBAL UPDATES

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

The future of global share ownership