25TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE
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CPE INFORMATION
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special events

Monday, 8 Apr 2024
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PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

8.00 - 17.00

REGISTRATION OPENS
Event Foyer
For all GEO's 25th Annual Conference and Executive Compensation Matters attendees

 

8.00 - 17.30

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION MATTERS
REGISTER for our one-day event, focused on senior-level pay
Additional charges apply.

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE - REGISTER TODAY

17.00 - 18:00

CHAPTER TEAM HAPPY HOUR
By invitation - global GEO Chapter co-ordinators only

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18.00 - 19:30

FELLOWS DRINKS RECEPTION
By invitation - GEO Fellows of Global Equity only

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Tuesday, 9 Apr 2024
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AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

8.00

Registration opens

9.00 - 10.00

ISSUER COUNCIL MEETING
By invitation - GEO's Issuer Council members only

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9.30 - 10.30

ISSUER ATTENDEE ARRIVALS
Corporate issuer attendees only
Coffee and pastries

10.30 - 11.15

ISSUER-ONLY FOCUS SESSIONS (CHOOSE ONE OF THREE)
Corporate issuer attendees only

Maximizing efficiency: the case for outsourcing equity administration
Hosted by Insightsoftware

Everything you always wanted to know about equity comp trends (but were afraid to ask)
Hosted by J. P. Morgan          

Hitting the trifecta with participant, equity, HR and payroll
Hosted by KPMG

11.15 - 11.30

Transition

11.30 - 13.30

ISSUER-ONLY KEYNOTE LUNCH
Corporate issuer attendees only
A fun-packed networking lunch designed to foster deeper connections with global peers through engaging activities. Hosted by MARK BROWN, professional magician and keynote speaker.

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12.30 - 13.30

ALL ATTENDEE ARRIVALS
Service provider and other non-issuer attendees
Lunch and networking in Exhibit Hall

13.30 - 15.00

KEYNOTE I: BRIAN SOLIS, Digital anthropologist and futurist
Sponsored by Bank of America

ABOUT BRIAN

15.00 - 15.30

Afternoon break

15.30 - 16.30

BREAKOUT SESSION I

16.30 - 16.45

Transition

16.45 - 17.45

BREAKOUT SESSION II

17.45 - 18.30

Free time

18.30 - 20.00

OPENING RECEPTION - GEOwestern
Join us in the Exhibit Hall for a taste of Nashville!

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20.00 - 22.30

OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Sponsored by Morgan Stanley at Work
Pins Mechanical 
A 'not to be missed' event for all conference attendees
Guest tickets are available to purchase

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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024
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AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

7.30

Registration opens

8.00 - 8.45

FELLOWS AND FIRST-TIMERS' BREAKFAST
By invitation only - GEO Fellows and new annual conference attendees only

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8.00 - 8.45

BREAKFAST
Coffee and breakfast in the Exhibit Hall

8.45 - 9.00

Transition

9.00 - 10.30

KEYNOTE II - JIMMY YEARY, Grammy-winning songwriter and storyteller

ABOUT JIMMY

10.30 - 10.45

Transition

10.45 - 11.45

BREAKOUT SESSION III

11.45 - 12.45

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK
Exhibit Hall

12.45 - 13.45

BREAKOUT SESSION IV

13.45 - 14.00

Transition

14.00 - 15.00

BREAKOUT SESSION V

15.00 - 15.25

Afternoon break 
Exhibit Hall 

15.25 - 16.15

BREAKOUT SESSION VI

16.15 - 16.25

Transition

16.25 - 17.15

BREAKOUT SESSION VII

17.15 - 19.00

Free time

17.45 - 19.30

PRIVATE MUSEUM TOUR - Tickets Limited
Coaches depart the Renaissance hotel: 17.45

Gain VIP access to the museum’s galleries with this private self-guided tour that includes transport from the Renaissance Hotel 

Not included in the conference ticket - limited places are available to purchase

PURCHASE A TICKET

18:45 - midnight

THE 2024 GEO AWARDS
DRESS CODE: DENIM AND DIAMONDS
Coaches depart the Renaissance hotel: 18.45

Drinks reception: 19.15 - 20.00
Celebration gala and dinner: 20.00 - 22.00
After party: 22.00 - 00.00

A seat is included in the conference ticket - a limited number of guest, individual tickets and tables of ten are available to purchase

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Thursday, 11 Apr 2024
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AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

9.30

Registration opens

9.30 - 10.00

BREAKFAST
Coffee and pasties in the Exhibit Hall

10.00 - 10.50

BREAKOUT SESSION VIII

10.50 - 11.00

Transition

11.00 - 11.50

BREAKOUT SESSION IX

11.50 - 12.45

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK
Exhibit Hall

12.45 - 13.35

BREAKOUT SESSION X

13.35 - 14.45

Transition

13.45 - 15.00

KEYNOTE III - TOM VARANO - inspirational speed painter

ABOUT TOM

Followed by prize giving and closing remarks

15.00 - 17.30

BACKSTAGE GRAND OLE OPRY AND DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE TOUR
Coaches depart the Renaissance hotel: 15:00

Tour downtown Nashville on a classic honky tonk bus and go behind the curtain at Nashville’s premier country music stage on this guided backstage tour.

Not included in the conference ticket - limited places are available to purchase

PURCHASE A TICKET

18.00 - 22.30

EXPERIENCE THE OPRY COUNTRY CLASSICS SHOW
Coaches depart the Renaissance hotel: 18:00

GEO has secured top seats at the show that celebrates the classic songs that made Nashville ‘Music City’.

Not included in the conference ticket - limited places are available to purchase

TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL 23 FEBRUARY!

PURCHASE A TICKET

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Operational effectiveness
4.1 Designing an optimized grant process

Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley at Work
Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies
Steve Campbell, PayPal
Felipe Oshiro Galianone, AbbVie

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Join our panel in an enlightening session on optimizing your new grant process. They will guide you through best practices, helping you navigate potential pitfalls in both upstream and downstream issues. Learn tips and tricks for constructing a robust grant reconciliation process, applicable to various equity management systems. Gain insights into how recent industry trends are transforming traditional approaches to stock allocation. Attend this session for a deep dive into cutting-edge techniques that will reshape your grant process for improved effectiveness.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Streamline your new grant process through automation for enhanced efficiency and accuracy
  • Address cross-border considerations and compliance for effective global grant management
  • Explore effective project management approaches to ensure the smooth execution of global grants

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Germantown 4
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Design and strategy
4.2 When cash is king: leveraging cash awards in a global equity program

Lindsay Green, WTW
Lindsay Minnis, Baker McKenzie
Shaun Bisman, Compensation Advisory Partners
Maya Wright, Iron Mountain

Cash deferral
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Join a distinguished panel of experts for an illuminating session on navigating the nuanced choice between cash and equity awards in global equity compensation programs. Delve into the intricacies that drive companies to opt for cash awards over equity and vice versa. The panel, featuring representatives from WTW, Baker & McKenzie, and CAP, will explore the multifaceted landscape of tax considerations, labor law implications, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance issues associated with cash awards compared to equity. Uncover administrative considerations and effective solutions for implementing cash awards, including communication strategies. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the inclusion of cash awards in a global equity compensation program.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Factors influencing the choice between cash and equity awards
  • Addressing tax, labor law, regulatory, and corporate governance issues
  • Administrative considerations and communication strategies for cash awards

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Midtown 1
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Finance, tax and accounting
4.3 Don't live on a prayer…or paycheck to paycheck because of your ESPP!

Sean Ross, Charles Schwab
Megan Hunt, Samsara
Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
 

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Engage with our expert panel in a comprehensive session covering essential aspects of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP). Explore intricacies such as tax withholding for international employees, including methods like "Sell to Cover" and withholding through paychecks. Delve into determining the correct withholding rate for international participants, navigating beyond the maximum tax rate, and effectively communicating these nuances without providing tax advice. Uncover strategies to overcome language barriers and address global assumptions when promoting your ESPP.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Tax withholding methods for international employees and paycheck withholding
  • Determining the correct withholding rate for international participants
  • Strategies for overcoming language barriers and promoting ESPP globally

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Germantown 1
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Finance, tax and accounting
4.4 Equity plan data considerations and action plans for mergers and acquisitions

Michael Mauro, insightsoftware
Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity
Sara Anderson, Thermofisher Scientific

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Equity deferral
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
USA
BREAKOUT IV

An expert panel, seasoned in navigating corporate transitions, will explore critical considerations of equity plans amid mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs, such as the post-transaction treatment of outstanding awards, ensuring equity and managing excise tax exposure. Join them in unraveling key accounting and data intricacies, and discover actionable insights to sidestep administrative nightmares.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the seasoned experts as they share invaluable strategies for navigating the complex landscape of equity plans in corporate transformations.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigate the post-transaction treatment of outstanding equity awards
  • Ensure fairness in equity distribution during corporate restructuring
  • Manage and mitigate excise tax exposure effectively

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Germantown 2
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Data and business intelligence
4.5 Revolutionizing equity compensation: unveiling AI insights from GEIS 2024

GEIS Sponsor panel

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on equity compensation strategies in this session featuring cutting-edge findings from the Global Equity Insights Survey 2024 (GEIS 2024). Our expert panel delves into the intersection of AI and equity compensation, providing comprehensive insights into the latest trends, best practices, and real-world applications.
Join them to gain a deep understanding of the AI-driven transformation of equity compensation strategies, exploring practical applications and ensuring compliance in the evolving landscape of corporate compensation strategies.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • AI-powered equity compensation: Reshaping traditional practices and understanding its significance
  • AI algorithms for equity management: Enhancing planning and execution through advanced algorithms
  • AI-driven employee insights: Leveraging AI for informed decision-making and employee understanding

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Information Technology
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Germantown 3
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 14:00 - 15:00
Design and strategy
5.1 Adapting to change: ensuring the ongoing appeal of your share plan

Chris Dohrmann, FGE, J.P. Morgan 
Julie Shepherd, FGE, The Sage Group
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT V

Delve into a strategic exploration of evolving equity compensation practices, where the dynamic landscape necessitates rethinking plans to align with employee preferences and overall compensation philosophies. Our expert panel will guide you through innovative solutions, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful adjustments rather than reactive responses to trends. Examples include the shift from standard 5-year cliff vesting to shorter schedules, retaining unvested shares post-employment, and exploring alternative profit-sharing mechanisms like Cryptocurrency. Discover the integration of equity compensation into broader financial wellness initiatives, incorporating ESG and DEI goals, and addressing share pool challenges amidst market volatility.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore the benefits and considerations of shorter equity vesting schedules, moving beyond the traditional 5-year cliff vest
  • Understand the advantages of allowing employees to retain unvested shares post-employment, extending beyond the limitations of death or disability
  • Explore alternative profit-sharing schemes like Equity Choice and even Cryptocurrency, broadening the scope of compensation offerings

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

 

 

LOCATION:
Germantown 4
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 14:00 - 15:00
Design and strategy
5.2 Titans' tango: navigating equity-based compensation in the era of mega mergers

David Voggeser, hkp///group
Stefanie Brachmann, Siemens Energy
Julia Bartsch, Siemens Energy
Markus Stebe, Siemens AG

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Global
BREAKOUT V

Get acquainted with the complexities of merging large publicly listed companies with our expert panel, featuring seasoned professionals with firsthand integration experience. Uncover the strategic importance of equity-based compensation, exploring real-world challenges and innovative solutions through case studies. The session addresses administrative intricacies, harmonizing diverse equity structures, and emphasizes actionable strategies for talent retention and culture amalgamation post-merger. Join us for a riveting discussion that blends theory with real-world application, equipping attendees with insights and practical narratives for successful corporate integrations.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Grasp the crucial role of equity-based compensation in large-scale corporate mergers
  • Learn from real-world challenges and effective strategies employed in past mergers
  • Understand the complexities involved in merging and harmonizing diverse equity compensation structures

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Midtown 1
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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 14:00 - 15:00
Trending now
5.3 Excellence in Global Share Plans: An award-winner update

Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity 
Deirdre Salisbury, Infinite Equity
Anabel Pichler, GlobalFoundries
Veena Bhatia, Atlassian
 

Choice plans
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Global
BREAKOUT V

Join our expert panel, which includes GEO Award winner panellists from Atlassian (2019 Most Creative Solution, 2022 Best Plan Communication and 2023 Best Use of Employee Share Plans in a Corporate Action) and GlobalFoundries (2022 Most Innovative and Creative Plan Design) as they delve into the post-award journey of acclaimed equity compensation programs. Discover the ongoing success of these programs beyond their initial recognition, exploring their resilience, challenges faced, and innovative adaptations over time. In this exclusive session, our panel will unravel the evolution of these celebrated equity compensation initiatives, providing valuable insights into their sustained triumph.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigate the complexities of post-award equity compensation strategies
  • Analyze the challenges and triumphs of acclaimed programs over time
  • Explore innovative approaches embraced by successful equity compensation initiatives

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Germantown 1
ADD TO CALENDAR
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 14:00 - 15:00
Finance, tax and accounting
5.4 Navigating the impacts and risks of flexible working models

Oksana Lapii, EY
Sam George, Lyft
Randy Murphy, Instacart
Liana Kolodenker, Globalization Partners

Cash deferral
Choice plans
Discount shares
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Equity deferral
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT V

Amidst the transformative landscape of work, where flexibility is the new currency, join our expert panel to navigate the intricate intersections of emerging hybrid and remote working models with equity-based compensation. As these models redefine the post-pandemic workforce, it's crucial to grasp their impact while mitigating potential tax compliance risks and red flags. Delve into a general overview and comparison of evolving working models, including GEOs, PEOs, and remote/hybrid arrangements. Take a deeper dive into Global Employment Organizations (GEOs) and People Employment Organizations (PEOs)/Employer of Record (EOR). Uncover equity-related risks associated with each model and gain practical insights into implementing remote work policies, achieving a delicate balance between risk, employee experience, and administrative efficiency.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the general overview and comparison of evolving working models, such as GEOs, PEOs, and remote/hybrid arrangements
  • Take a deeper dive into the concepts of Global Employment Organizations (GEOs) and People Employment Organizations (PEOs)/Employer of Record (EOR)
  • Uncover red flags and risks associated with each employment model, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of potential challenges in equity-based compensation

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Tax
Level: 0
Delivery method: Group internet-based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDIT (CE): 1.0

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

LOCATION:
Germantown 2
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