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

Filter by:

Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 14:00 - 15:00
Trending now
5.5 Do androids dream of equity compensation? How AI will impact pay decisions

Charles Russo, Computershare
Sean Trotman, Deloitte
Katie King, Moog
Adie Leung, FGE, Citi

Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT V

A transformative exploration of Artificial Intelligence's (AI) impact on pay decisions and equity awards, guided by insights from our expert panel. Discover the current global AI landscape and its evolution, differentiating between Traditional and Generative AI. Delve into how algorithms are reshaping decision-making for HR and Equity Comp professionals, illustrated through practical case studies like Moog. Uncover the collaborative benefits of human-AI interaction, understanding AI as a support mechanism that reduces administrative burdens and provides crucial data insights, thereby elevating stock plan administrators and enhancing overall user experience.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the current global AI landscape and its evolution
  • Explore the practical application of algorithms in reshaping decision-making processes
  • Understand the collaborative benefits of human-AI interaction, reducing administrative burdens and providing valuable data insights

 

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, 15:25 - 16:15
Legal and regulatory
6.1 A global roadtrip in just 50 minutes!

Matthew Hunter, Tapestry Compliance
Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors
Chris Hall, Global Tax Networks
 

Global
BREAKOUT VI

Embark on a global road trip with our expert panel as they pitch essential legal, tax, and regulatory changes worldwide, covering topics like the new Irish tax withholding changes impacting stock options and the lessons to learn from a recent legal case in Denmark concerning share plan leaver provisions.

The panel will explore market developments on complex issues like the South Korean foreign exchange requirements and will show you how (and why!) to stay informed of changes happening around the world!

With diverse experience from issuer and advisory backgrounds, this panel unveils the full compliance picture. Also hear first-hand how Lucid Motors navigates the ever-changing flux of global compliance requirements.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover essential global legal, tax, and regulatory changes
  • Analyze market developments on complex topics
  • Explore emerging trends impacting global share plan operation

 

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, 15:25 - 16:15
Operational effectiveness
6.2 It's a MAD MAD world

Evans Longacre, Fidelity 
Dominic Andwan, Thermo Fisher
Courtney Brown, Dell
Dave Peterson, Hologic

Choice plans
Performance shares
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT VI

The expert panel will share insights on navigating the complexities of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures (MAD) in the realm of rewards and equity. While these events bring excitement, they often induce upheaval. Join the discussion to discover how three GEO organizations successfully managed key mergers and divestitures. Gain valuable perspectives on employee and award transitions, leveraging share programs for added value, and ensuring a top-quality participant experience throughout these transformative events.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand how organizations effectively transitioned employees and awards during key mergers and divestitures
  • Explore how share programs were utilized to deliver additional value during transformative events
  • Learn strategies employed by award-winning organizations to maintain a high-quality participant experience throughout M&A and divestiture processes

 

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, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
6.3 The future of work beyond the Great Reset

Janet Cooper OBE, FGE, Nutures Landscape Group
Roger Fairhead, BAE Systems
David Edwards, Natwest
Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP
Marc Muntermann, Siemens Energy

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT VI

Join our expert panel as they explore the aftermath of the Great Resignation and the ongoing challenges businesses face in recruiting and retaining talent globally amid the complexities of inflation. In this session, they will cover the broader conversation on the future of work, understanding the intricate balance between recruitment, retention, and the evolving dynamics of employee expectations. Explore financial wellbeing, mental health initiatives, and the nuanced role of employee shares within the context of fluctuating stock market conditions. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on strategizing for the future workplace.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Uncover current trends shaping labor markets and evolving people strategies
  • Explore the impact of inflation on salaries and how companies are addressing this challenge
  • Examine the role of benefits, especially in sectors facing cost of living challenges

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Personell/HR
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, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
6.4 Optimizing global equity plans for talent retention and an employee-centric workforce

Zackary Crumpton, Computershare
Aimee Soodan, Baker McKenzie
Rachel Ulep, eBay
Fiona Doran, Computershare

Cash deferral
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 VI

A comprehensive exploration led by an expert panel, dissecting the complexities of equity compensation programs across diverse regions. Delve into the influential factors guiding the offering of tax-qualified plans in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Hear firsthand from two issuing companies as they uncover the regulatory and tax considerations specific to each jurisdiction and share their decision-making processes and strategies for communicating equity compensation programs across countries. Assess the current participation scenario and gain valuable perspectives as the panel discuss future changes they are contemplating.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore the factors shaping tax-qualified plan offerings in diverse geographical areas
  • Uncover the unique intricacies of regulatory and tax considerations in each jurisdiction
  • Gain insights into clients' decision-making processes and explore anticipated future changes in equity compensation programs

 

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, 15:25 - 16:15
Legal and regulatory
6.5 Essential equity plan numbers to have at your fingertips

Elena Thomas, OptionTrax
Noone Janigian, Thermofisher Scientific
Ken Lockett, OptionTrax

Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT VI

Stock plan administrators often face the challenge of urgent requests from leadership, creating a sense of dread. This session, led by experts including a world-leading life sciences issuer and seasoned administration providers, aims to alleviate this by focusing on crucial figures. Applicable to both Private and Public companies the panel will decipher these figures, gaining insights into their derivation, interest groups, and relevance. The session also delves into the current market and tech labor force volatility, exploring their influence on these essential figures.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Defining and understanding the relevance of available shares
  • Exploring key metrics and their impact on equity plans
  • Unveiling insights into usage patterns and planning

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Accounting
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, 16:25 - 17:15
Employee engagement
7.1 Using benefits strategies to address financial health inequities

Rodney Bolden, Morgan Stanley at Work
Christyl Lucille Murray, Morgan Stanley at Work
Lori Serrano, FGE,  Outset Medical
Amy Wheeler, Outsystems

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT VII

As companies intensify their focus on workforce diversity, achieving equal opportunity and equitable compensation poses ongoing challenges. Join our panel in a session exploring the nexus of diversity, inclusion, and equity compensation. Attend this session to unravel the complexities of fostering diversity, promoting equal access, and crafting inclusive equity compensation plans in the modern workplace.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the significance of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) and explore processes for determining D&I priorities within organizations
  • Learn how panelists leverage engagement tactics and equity compensation platforms to enhance understanding of D&I priorities, fostering diversity and inclusion
  • Explore how HR decision makers can provide targeted financial health benefits for diverse demographics within their employee base

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Personell/HR
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, 16:25 - 17:15
Finance, tax and accounting
7.2 A deep dive into share-based compensation accounting

Raenelle James, Equity Methods 
Tommy Swindle, FGE, UBS
Garry Devine, Amgen 

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

Join a panel of accounting experts as they demystify ASC 718, offering a comprehensive overview of share-based compensation accounting impacts. Whether you're new to the field or seeking a deeper understanding, this session covers the fundamentals, including valuations, compensation expense, disclosures, deferred tax assets, and dilutive earnings per share. Joining the discussion will empower you to confidently round up the right team members for effective solutions in stock plan management. This insightful session ensures that, armed with a thorough grasp of ASC 718, your future discussions with financial reporting teams will be not only more productive but also informed by a nuanced understanding of share-based compensation accounting.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insights into the key aspects of ASC 718, covering valuations, compensation expense, disclosures, deferred tax assets, and dilutive earnings per share
  • Understand how to navigate the complexities of share-based compensation accounting impacts, empowering you to assemble effective stock plan management teams
  • Learn how a comprehensive understanding of ASC 718 improves the productivity and effectiveness of discussions with financial reporting teams

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Accounting 
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, 16:25 - 17:15
Design and strategy
7.3 Inheriting plan designs: navigating challenges and crafting a strategic future

Christian Hyldig, Aon
Augustin Serban, Flywire
Ramon Dominguez, Lucid Motors

 

Cash deferral
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Equity deferral
Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT VII

Engage with a panel of seasoned experts in a revealing session that dissects the intricacies of successfully managing share plans in recently IPO'd companies or those entrenched in the equity industry. Join them as they unveil strategic considerations and actionable insights crucial for navigating the evolving global landscape. Delve into effective measures addressing challenges arising from misalignments with inherited global plan designs.
Discover practical approaches to ensure the sustained relevance of designs amidst global changes. This session offers a unique opportunity to understand design pitfalls and equip yourself to navigate them.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Best practices in running share plans in a recently IPO environment
  • Striking the right balance between standardized design and local jurisdiction benefits
  • Importance of future-proof plan design

 

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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