Northern California

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
NETWORKING EVENTS
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CHAPTER TEAM:

Nadine Francyzk, FGE (Chapter Leader)

Tim Gow, Morgan Stanley
Taylor Slayton, Infinite Equity
Jeff Bauman, Baker McKenzie
Brian Kirkpatrick, Marvell
Carrie Kovak, Elastic
Madeline VanHoorickx, UBS
Cory Anderson, KPMG
Alisha Hom, Lyft

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

Tara Hagen, FGE, Global Tax Network

 

WELCOME TO THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA 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. 

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER SPONSORS

VISIT SPONSOR PAGE
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REGIONAL RESOURCES

FILTER:
Country
ARTICLE
1 February 2024
Delaware Court Applies Traditional Entire Fairness Standard to Very Large Stockholder-Approved, Performance-Based Equity Award
External News

Jones Day

Executive pay
Performance shares
USA

The Delaware Court of Chancery recently invalidated Elon Musk's equity compensation plan with Tesla, which was criticized for being excessively large compared to peer plans and lacking proper negotiation. The court found that Musk effectively controlled Tesla in the context of the award, and that the approval process was flawed, including misleading proxy statements and insufficient benchmarking. As a result, the court determined the award was unfair and ordered it rescinded.

LIVE WEBCAST
30 January 2024, 12 - 1pm EST
GLOBAL EQUITY INSIGHTS SURVEY: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Webcast

GEIS sponsor panel

All plan types
Global

Join us for an enlightening webcast as we delve into the insights uncovered by the Global Equity Insights Survey.

During this session, we will retrospectively examine the key findings from the 2023 survey, shedding light on global trends in equity compensation and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape and its implications for companies worldwide.

Furthermore, we are excited to offer an exclusive preview of the thought-provoking questions slated for the ongoing 2024 survey.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Uncover global equity compensation trends from the 2023 survey, exploring the evolving landscape's impact on organizations worldwide
  • Get an exclusive preview of new 2024 survey questions, capturing emerging trends like artificial intelligence in equity compensation
  • Engage in a dynamic discussion with experts, sharing your opinions on key survey topics

 

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.

 

ARTICLE
29 January 2024
The complete guide to equity compensation for startups
External News

Ravio

Private and pre-IPO companies
All plan types
Global

Startups often use equity compensation to attract and retain talent by offering employees a stake in the company, but the structure of this compensation can vary widely. Key decisions include how much equity to reserve for employees, which roles should be eligible, and whether to use stock options or RSUs, with considerations for vesting periods and exercise windows. While equity compensation can motivate and align employees with company success, it also risks dilution of founder control and can be complex to manage, especially across different jurisdictions and stages of company growth.

LIVE WEBCAST
23 January 2024, 12 - 1pm EST
THE STRUGGLE IS REAL! STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING STRESS FOR EQUITY PROFESSIONALS
January

Sheila Frierson, CEP, Computershare
Donna Hammer, FGE, CEP, Lighthouse Equity Development
Lori Serrano, FGE, CEP, Outset Medical 

All plan types
Global

Start the new year with our expert panel exploring well-being. Join a lively session where personal stories, both positive and challenging, create a shared experience. The panel will highlight companies with successful wellness programs, offering practical examples for creating a thriving work environment.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Delve into the scientific intricacies of how cortisol and adrenaline flooding can adversely affect our bodies, providing a comprehensive understanding of the physiological consequences of stress
  • Gain valuable insights into balancing and incorporating different forms of rest into your routine for enhanced overall well-being
  • Acquire practical strategies for setting up backup systems to manage multiple responsibilities efficiently
LIVE WEBCAST
5 December 2023, 12 - 1:15pm EST
COMPENSATION AND EQUITY PLAN DESIGN ALTERNATIVES FOR PRIVATE COMPANIES
Webcast

SPEAKERS: Kristen Kostner, BDO, Tom Ziemba, BDO, Issuer Guest

Global

Although long-term incentive awards have long been a key component of executive total compensation packages in public companies, they have been growing in prominence at private companies as a viable tool to attract and retain top talent.  Join us for a discussion of the pros and cons of cash and equity-based LTI awards at private companies and how the selection of the appropriate LTI vehicle is linked to program goals and the life cycle stage of the company. 

This session will cover the following topics:

  • Overview of LTI trends in private companies
  • Overview of most prevalent cash and equity-based vehicles for private companies
  • Summary of the key features and plan mechanics, pros and cons for employers and employees, and alignment with company life cycle stage
IN-PERSON REGIONAL EVENT
16 November 2023, 8am - 5pm GMT
GEO'S PAN EUROPEAN REGIONAL EVENT
PERE

LOCATION: Berlin, Germany

European Union
Global

We are thrilled to gather the GEO community in the vibrant city of Berlin for 2023 Pan European Regional Event, where we will delve into the dynamic and ever-evolving European landscape. Join us for insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and the latest updates in the world of global equity.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
9 November 2023, 4 - 7pm CET
GEO NETHERLANDS CHAPTER MEETING
NETHERLANDS CHAPTER

Carine Schneider, Compass Equity
Maurice Beckand Verwee, Curiosity VC
Jason Stewart, Fledgrr

Netherlands
USA

Revolutionizing equity compensation the Silicon Valley way

Join us at the historic Het West-Indisch Huis for an insightful panel discussion that delves into the dynamic world of Equity Compensation Administration. In this intellectually stimulating gathering, industry experts, thought leaders, and professionals will come together to explore key aspects of equity compensation management, including the new plan design concepts straight from the venture capital community, trends in U.S. share plan design and the role of AI and how administration is changing in response to AI.

In this session, you will learn about

  • Recent share plan design changes in the start-up world with views from Silicon Valley
  • The role of AI and Equity Compensation administration
  • Getting the right reward benchmarking data
  • Public versus private company design changes

AGENDA

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Arrival
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Presentation from Compass Equity & Panel Discussion 
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Networking drinks/Borrel

 

LOCATION:

Het West-Indisch Huis
Herenmarkt 99
1013 EC Amsterdam

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  Both GEO Member and Non-Members are welcome.  But registration is required.  Please click Registration and Register Now in the above menu.

LIVE WEBCAST
7 November 2023, 12 - 1:15pm EST
GLOBAL COMPLIANCE UPDATE
Webcast

SPEAKERS: Ashlee Boe, Lucid Motors; Louise Walker, Deutsche Bank; Becky Moore, Tapestry Compliance; Rebecca Perry, Tapestry Compliance; Emilie Sylvester, Tapestry Compliance

Global

Stay ahead of the curve with our comprehensive incentive plans global compliance update! In this session, we will provide you with a detailed overview of the latest regulatory, legal and tax changes affecting share plans on a global scale. Whether you are an HR professional, a compensation specialist, or an executive involved in equity compensation or providing services to companies in this area, this update is a must-attend event to ensure your company remains compliant and competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of incentive plans.

In the session, you will:

  • Learn what’s changed and where!
  • Understand the complexities of complying with diverse regulatory frameworks across different countries
  • Gain valuable insights into how leading organisations are adapting to the changing compliance landscape and proactively addressing challenges to maximize plan effectiveness
  • Discover practical approaches to managing tax compliance efficiently while minimizing potential risks and tax burdens for your company and participants

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.5*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.25 credits


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

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.


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

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
26 October 2023, 8am - 5pm PDT
GEO'S 13TH ANNUAL NORCAL FORUM
NORCAL

LOCATION: San Mateo, California

Global

The 13th Annual NorCal Forum gives you the chance to experience and participate in the most forward-thinking equity and executive compensation discussions and attracts industry experts, policy makers, academics, thought leaders, influencers and decision makers.

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.

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.

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. 

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY
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