Come join us for a relaxed happy hour and connect with fellow Chapter Leaders from around the world!

We’ll toast to your incredible work organizing GEO events in your regions and spend some time sharing ideas, successes, and strategies for the year ahead. It’s a global strategy session—over cocktails!

Join us for an exclusive networking drinks event bringing together the Fellows of Global Equity, the geoElevate mentors and mentees, and the Future Leaders of Global Equity classes of 2024 and 2025! 

This is your chance to connect with industry experts and the next generation of leaders from around the world before the conference kicks off.

During this gathering, you'll be among peers eager to share best practices, delve into industry trends, and welcome the latest additions to our esteemed community.

It’s an opportunity not to be missed!

Get ready to kick off the conference in style!
Join your global peers at an exclusive issuer-only learning and networking event designed to help you make essential connections right from the start of the conference. 

Gain fresh perspectives by learning from fellow issuers around the world who are tackling the same challenges in different countries.

Issuer-Only Roundtable: What Have You Outsourced—and Why?

As equity programs grow more complex, issuers are increasingly faced with decisions around what to keep in-house and what to outsource. From administration and payroll to tax reporting, mobility, and technology support, these choices can have a significant impact on efficiency, risk management, cost, and internal resources.

This issuer-only roundtable offers a confidential, peer-driven forum to discuss what functions organizations have outsourced, what they’ve retained internally, and the reasoning behind those decisions. Participants will share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and practical considerations—including what worked, what didn’t, and what they would do differently.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

• Benchmark outsourcing decisions against peers by understanding which equity compensation functions issuers commonly outsource, which they retain in-house, and the business rationale behind those choices.
• Identify decision drivers and trade-offs—including cost, risk, scalability, internal expertise, and global complexity—to better evaluate outsourcing opportunities within your own organization.
• Apply practical lessons learned from real issuer experiences to improve vendor selection, governance, and long-term outsourcing outcomes.

SPEAKERS: Melissa Jackmin, Mohawk Industries, Fernando Herrera, Microsoft, Shane Hughes, Walmart, Augustin Serban, The Magnum Ice Cream Company

GEO Issuer Advisory Council members are invited to discover the power of in-person collaboration before the doors open to conference attendees.

Proudly chaired by the GEO Board Issuer Committee, the agenda is thoughtfully designed to cover a spectrum of topics. This is your chance to actively contribute to the global dialogue surrounding GEO's mission.

If you have specific topics you'd like to see on the agenda, we welcome your input in advance.

Mark your calendars, pack your ideas, and let's shape the future of GEO together at this not-to-be-missed in-person meeting.

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The Issuer Advisory Council of GEO convenes regularly, fostering a dynamic and engaging dialogue among its members on a global scale.

This important group collaboratively addresses a spectrum of issues, ranging from intricate matters concerning GEO's strategic trajectory to advisory decisions regarding GEO's content and events.

Participation in these discussions is open to all interested issuer members, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive exchange of insights from around the world.

JOIN THE ISSUER ADVISORY COUNCIL

New to GEO and attending the conference for the first time? You’re not alone! 

Join us for a welcome drink and meet the GEO team along with other first-time attendees before the opening party begins.

Join us at the GEO Austin Opening Night Party as we wrap up the first day of GEO’s 27th Annual Conference in true Austin style!

Celebrate with colleagues and friends over authentic Austin flavors, refreshing local drinks, and the city’s signature energy. The evening will feature live music, BBQ, and plenty of games to keep the fun going — the perfect way to connect, unwind, and kick off an unforgettable conference experience.

Remember to bring your conference badges for entry to the event!

Guest tickets available to purchase soon.

Already registered for the conference? Just visit the reservation page and 'MODIFY' your booking

Come join GEO Fellows for an exclusive breakfast event where you'll have the chance to meet other global share plan rock stars!

Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and exchange ideas with the best in the field. See you there!

A lively event in the Exhibit Hall featuring structured networking activities designed to help you meet fellow attendees and make connections, Austin-style!

Lone Star Ballroom, JW Marriott
DRESS CODE: Smart (black tie or business attire)

Join the global share plan community in Austin, Texas on 22 April 2026 for a landmark occasion — the 25th GEO Awards Ceremony.

This silver anniversary celebration will be held in the elegant Lone Star Ballroom at the JW Marriott Austin, where we will shine a spotlight on the most innovative and impactful share plan and executive compensation strategies from around the world.

The evening doesn’t end there — continue the celebration at an exclusive after party on the Edge Rooftop. With spectacular skyline views, it’s the perfect setting to toast achievements, connect with peers, and celebrate 25 years of excellence in the GEO community.

A seat at the GEO Awards is included in the ticket price for all GEO's 27th Annual Conference attendees.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS, TABLES AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE SOON 

Already registered for the conference? Just visit the reservation page and 'MODIFY' your booking