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Sunday, 27 Apr 2025

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

8.00 - 12.00

Exhibitor set up

12.00 - 17.00

REGISTRATION OPENS
Congress Foyer, Lower Level
For all GEO's 26th Annual Conference attendees

17.00 - 18.00

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

FIND OUT MORE

18.00 - 19.30

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

FIND OUT MORE

19.30 - 23.00 (event times differ)

Provider sponsored events 
By invitation - venues vary

Monday, 28 Apr 2025

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

8.00

Registration opens
Congress Foyer, Lower Level

8.30 - 9.30

ISSUER ATTENDEE ARRIVALS
Corporate issuer attendees only

8.30 - 9.30

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

FIND OUT MORE

9.30 - 11.30

ISSUER-ONLY KEYNOTE AND NETWORKING EVENT
Corporate issuer attendees only
LEVEL M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3 
 

A fun-packed keynote from DUNCAN STEVENS and roundtable networking event designed to foster deeper connections with global peers through engaging activities. 

FIND OUT MORE

11.00

ALL NON-ISSUER ARRIVALS
Service provider and other non-issuer attendees
Congress Hall, Lower Level

11.30 - 12.30

ALL ATTENDEE LUNCH
Congress Hall, Lower Level

12.30 - 14.00

OPENING ALL-ATTENDEE SESSION
KEYNOTE: SILVIA GARCIA, Former Coca-Cola Global Director of Happiness, Marketing and Communications
Congress Hall, Lower Level

ABOUT SILVIA

14.00 - 14.45

Afternoon refreshment break
Congress Hall, Lower Level

14:45 - 15.45

BREAKOUT SESSION I
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

15.45 - 16.00

Transition

16.00 - 17:00

BREAKOUT SESSION II
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

17.00 - 18.00

Free time

18.00 - 18.40

OPENING RECEPTION - TRANSPORT
Special Events Collection Point, Group Entrance, Lower Level

Join your coach transfer to the Opening Night Party!
All attendees to wear conference badges, including guests

FIND OUT MORE

SPONSORED BY MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

19.00 - 22.30

OPENING PARTY
Luxury Grand Bohemia Cruise
A 'not to be missed' event for all conference attendees - join us for a spectacular VIP dinner cruise along Prague's famous Vltava River.
All attendees to wear conference badges, including guests.
Guest tickets are available to purchase.

FIND OUT MORE

Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

7.30

Registration opens
Congress Foyer, Lower Level

Before 9.00

BREAKFAST AT YOUR OWN LEISURE
Hotel guests may take breakfast in the hotel restaurant 
Atrium Restaurant, Level L

8.00 - 9.00

FIRST-TIMERS, FUTURE LEADERS AND FELLOWS' BREAKFAST
By invitation only - GEO Fellows, GEO Future Leaders and new annual conference attendees only
Congress Hall, Level LL

FIND OUT MORE

9.00 - 10.30

ALL-ATTENDEE SESSION
Join GEO as we welcome experts to the main stage.

SPONSORED BY COMPUTERSHARE

10.30 - 11.00

Refreshment break and book signing

11.00 - 12.00

BREAKOUT SESSION III
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

12.00 - 13.15

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK
Congress Hall, Lower Level

13.15 - 14.00

BREAKOUT SESSION IV 
Roundtable sessions
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

14.00 - 14.10

Transition

14.10 - 15.10

BREAKOUT SESSION V
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

15.10 - 15.40

Refreshment break 
Congress Hall, Lower Level

15.40 - 16.25

BREAKOUT SESSION VI
Roundtable sessions
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

16.25 - 16.45

Transition

16.45 - 17.45

BREAKOUT SESSION VII
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

17.45 - 19.15

Free time

19.15 - 19.45

GEO AWARDS 2025 - TRANSPORT
Special Events Collection Point, Group Entrance, Lower Level

Join your coach transfer to the GEO Awards!
All attendees to wear conference badges, including guests

PURCHASE A TICKET

SPONSORED BY J.P.MORGAN WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

19.30 - midnight

THE 2025 GEO AWARDS
Žofín Palace, Prague

Drinks reception: 19.30 - 20.30
Celebration gala and dinner: 20.30 - 22.00
After party at Cloud9 Sky Bar and Lounge: 22.00 - 00.00

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

FIND OUT MORE

SPONSORED BY J.P.MORGAN WORKPLACE SOLUTIONS

Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

8.00

Registration opens
Congress Hall, Lower Level

Before 9.45

BREAKFAST AT YOUR OWN LEISURE
Hotel guests may take breakfast in the hotel restaurant 
Atrium Restaurant, Level L

9.45 - 10.45

BREAKOUT SESSION VIII
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

10.45 - 11.00

Transition

11.00 - 11.45

BREAKOUT SESSION IX
Roundtable sessions
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

11.45 - 12.30

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK
Congress Hall, Lower Level

12.30 - 13.30

BREAKOUT SESSION X
Level M - Palmovka 1, 2 and 3, and Karlin 4

13.30 - 13.45

Refreshment break 
Congress Hall, Lower Level

13.45 - 15.00

ALL-ATTENDEE SESSION
KEYNOTE - JASON BEVAN, Former Head of Creative Development at Warner Bros Studios

ABOUT JASON
 

SPONSORED BY UBS WORKPLACE WEALTH SOLUTIONS

Followed by prize giving and closing remarks

15.30 - 23.59

Exhibitor breakdown

16.00 - 19.00 APPROX

BONUS NETWORKING EVENT - PRAGUE MEDIEVAL EXPERIENCE
Additional fees apply

Step back in time and immerse yourself in Prague’s rich medieval heritage with this exclusive, post-conference event. This unforgettable event is your chance to enjoy history, flavours, and adventure all in one evening. Admission, food and unlimited drinks are included with your ticket.

Tickets are limited and available for purchase until 28 March

MORE INFORMATION
 

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, 12:30 - 13:30
10.2 Strategy Meets Policy: Establishing and Maintaining a Global Tax Withholding Framework

Suzie Bentley, NVIDIA (US)
Nancy Kobs, Palo Alto Networks (US)
Mark Miller, Deloitte (US)

 

Global
BREAKOUT X

Managing global equity plan taxation sits at the intersection of employee experience and corporate risk mitigation, requiring administrators to balance competing priorities across functions. Defining a tax strategy that works for all stakeholders—while aligning policies to support this strategy—is a critical yet complex task.

This panel of experts, featuring leaders from Palo Alto Networks and NVIDIA, will explore contrasting approaches shaped by differing budgets and strategic priorities. Through practical insights and real-world examples, the session will offer actionable tips for crafting and executing effective tax policies that align with organisational goals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore how corporate policies, such as entity type and statutory accounting, influence payroll and employment tax obligations.
  • Understand considerations for diverse worker types, including employees, gig-workers, and employees of record.
  • Gain strategies for addressing exceptions like international mobility and executive business travel.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 2
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Tax
Level:
I
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, 12:30 - 13:30
10.3 Equity Compensation in Asia: Adapting to Global Demands

Paul Arens, Compass Equity Strategic Advisors (US)
Amit Majumder, Qapita (IN)
Issuer TBC

India
BREAKOUT X

As globalization reshapes business landscapes, Asia has become a key focal point for multinational companies looking to expand their workforce and operations. This session will explore how companies can effectively implement equity compensation strategies that align with the dynamics of this fast-growing region, ensuring they attract and retain talent while complying with local laws. 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how equity compensation plans can be tailored to meet Asia’s competitive job markets and regional expectations. 
  • Understanding the tax, securities, and employment law differences across key Asian markets. 
  • Uncover how to design equity plans that align with varying attitudes toward risk and long-term incentives in Asia.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 3
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
I
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, 12:30 - 13:30
10.4 Broadening Benefits: ESPPs for PEO Employees, Franchisees and Employees of Records

Emily Cervino, FGE, Fidelity (US)
Cherie Curry, FGE, Hilton (US)
Jeremy Edwards, Baker McKenzie (UK)

Global
BREAKOUT X

Extending Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) to non-traditional employee groups—such as those working for PEOs, franchisees, or Employers of Record (EORs)—offers new opportunities but also significant complexities.

This session explores the tax, legal, and regulatory considerations involved, with practical insights from a company case study. Learn how innovative approaches, including groundbreaking efforts in the UK, have made these plans viable for a broader workforce.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the tax, legal, and regulatory complexities of offering ESPPs to non-traditional employee types across various jurisdictions.
  • Explore practical steps to address challenges when extending ESPP access to PEOs, franchisees, and EOR employees.
  • Gain insights from a groundbreaking case study, including successful strategies and lessons learned in the UK.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 4
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
I
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, 12:30 - 13:30
10.5 Equity Hacks to Simplify Life at Any Stage of the Equity Lifecycle

Veena Bhatia, Atlassian (US)
Susan Ford, Industry Expert (US)
Vicky Phrydas, UBS (US)
 

Global
BREAKOUT X

Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of administering equity plans? This session is here to help! Drawing on years of best practices from issuers and providers, we’ll explore actionable hacks to streamline your administration workload and reduce stress. 
From leveraging data and streamlining processes to fostering cross-departmental collaboration, these insights will challenge your perspective on roles, tools, plan design, and participant communication. Whether you're new to equity administration or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away with strategies to work smarter, not harder.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how clean, accurate data drives every aspect of equity administration, from payroll integration to financial reporting.
  • Discover how equity and payroll teams can partner effectively to ensure seamless operations and successful outcomes.
  • Explore how simplicity in plan design, processes, and participant communications creates a far-reaching impact for all stakeholders.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 1

CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O