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:

Michelle Tomasetti, Infinite Equity

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.

Follow the MidWest Chapter on LinkedIn

ARTICLE

3 August 2026

FATE THERAPEUTICS USES STOCK OPTIONS AND RSUS AS NEW-HIRE INDUCEMENT AWARDS

Fate Therapeutics / Business Insider Markets

Employee engagement

Non-qualified plans

USA

Fate granted non-qualified stock options and RSUs to newly hired non-executive employees under Nasdaq's inducement award exception.

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ARTICLE

2 August 2026

EMPLOYEE SHARE OPTION SCHEMES IN 2026: FROM INCENTIVE TOOL TO STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE

Global Advisory Experts

Design and strategy

Stock options

Global

Examines ESOP design, vesting, performance conditions and the strategic use of options to attract, retain and align employees.

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

12 August 2026, 3 - 6pm PDT

Pacific Northwest Chapter Meeting - SEATTLE

Seattle, WA

USA

Join us for a relaxed summer gathering designed to bring our Pacific Northwest community together! Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the group, this is a great opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with colleagues, and strengthen relationships across our network in a casual setting.

What to expect:

A welcoming environment to connect and unwind with peers
Fun, interactive activities at the start to help spark conversations and build connections
A happy hour with drinks available until 5PM
Light finger foods to enjoy throughout the event

We hope you can join us for an afternoon of networking, conversation, and summer fun!

LOCATION:
Madison Center, First Floor Conference Room
920 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98104

GENEROUSLY HOSTED BY:

COST:
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. Registration is free.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

ARTICLE

18 July 2026

Mark Cuban Says Companies Should Give All Employees Stock

Business Insider

Design and strategy

All plan types

USA

Advocates broad-based employee equity and tax incentives for companies that share stock more widely.

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ARTICLE

16 July 2026

Blue Origin's New Stock Option Plan Comes With a Catch

Business Insider

Case Study

Stock options

USA

Analysis of Blue Origin's revised option plan, liquidity provisions and non-compete-linked forfeiture terms.

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ARTICLE

16 July 2026

Snowflake Unveils $448 Million CEO Pay Plan Tied to Stock Targets

Reuters

Design and strategy

Executive plans

USA

Performance-based stock award tied to ambitious market-capitalisation and service targets.

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LIVE WEBCAST

16 July 2026, 10 - 11am PDT

Building the Business Case for Equity Compensation (GEO Future Leaders Class of 2024) - ZOOM

Jordan Dorich, Gallagher
Lewis Dulley, Tapestry
Nicole Thomas, Shopify
Meho Cerimovic, Baker McKenzie
Danielle Roseland, Morgan Stanley at Work

Data and business intelligence

All plan types

Global

Join the inaugural class of the Future Leaders of Global Equity as they examine the evolving business case for equity compensation. Drawing on fresh survey data, broader industry research, and insights from the thought leadership paper Making the Business Case for Equity-Based Compensation: A Practical Framework for Driving Equity Adoption, this forward-looking session moves beyond foundational concepts to deliver a structured, outcome-driven approach to equity strategy.

Designed for practitioners ready to elevate their influence, this session explores how equity programs can be intentionally aligned with organizational strategy, talent philosophy, and measurable business outcomes. Attendees will gain practical insights into how equity compensation can accelerate high-impact performance, support global growth, strengthen retention, and foster an ownership-driven culture across the workforce.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Identify the core business drivers that make equity compensation a strategic tool for talent, growth, and organizational performance.
Apply a practical framework for aligning equity programs with company strategy, workforce philosophy, and measurable outcomes.
Strengthen your ability to communicate and defend the value of equity compensation to leadership and key stakeholders.

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.

COST

Members: Free access — Live and on-demand
Non-members: $85 per webcast — Live and on-demand

Unlock unlimited access! Join GEO from just $375/year and watch every webcast free—live or on-demand plus more member perks!

ARTICLE

15 July 2026

A 2026 Tax Playbook for High Earners

Kiplinger

Employee engagement

All plan types

USA

Covers RSU taxation, ISO AMT exposure, company-stock concentration and coordinated compensation planning.

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ARTICLE

13 July 2026

Company Stock Options, RSUs and ESPPs: Mistakes High Earners Make

Kiplinger

Employee engagement

All plan types

USA

Explains withholding shortfalls, double-taxation risks and concentration issues for equity award holders.

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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 MEMBERS 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.

Explore GEOlearn

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS 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 MEMBERS ONLY

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

CHAPTER TEAM:

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

WELCOME TO THE MIDWEST CHAPTER

REGIONAL RESOURCES

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

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