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A FIRST-CLASS VIRTUAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Billy Billingham
BILLY BILLINGHAM MBE

Decorated Military Leader. Bodyguard. Best-Selling Author. TV Personality. Speaker.

There is not much Billy Billingham MBE QCB can't do!

With more than 20 years of military leadership, including executing strategic operations in places including Iraq, Afghanistan, South America, and Africa, Billy has experienced what it takes to be mentally tough.

As a result of his bravery, he was awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery and MBE by Queen Elizabeth II.

Join Billy as he brings his experiences to GEO's audience to educate and enthral those seeking how to combat challenges and hardships the SAS way!

INSIGHTFUL AND INSPIRING BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Access on-demand recordings.of the event's 20 live sessions that span six subject tracks and 30 'Best of Edinburgh' highest-rated sessions from GEO's 24th Annual Conference.

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Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:35
Executive pay
Operational effectiveness
10.5 Five steps to easier performance award administration

Elena Thomas, OptionTrax
Karol Peake, Stock and Option Solutions
Brandon Foster, American Woodmark

Performance cash
Performance shares
Global
BREAKOUT X

In today's dynamic compensation landscape, performance awards administration is crucial for equity plan professionals. Join our expert panel in an informative session demystifying global performance award management. Explore complexities, responsibilities, and collaborations essential for success. Navigate the nuances of performance awards in a volatile market, backed by real-world issuer examples and actionable steps to streamline equity compensation plans. 
Our goal is to impart practical knowledge, making the process manageable and sparing you from frustration. Don't miss this engaging presentation delivered by industry leaders, leaving you better prepared for global performance award challenges.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Unravel complexities in global performance award management
  • Understand responsibilities and collaborations crucial for success
  • Gain actionable insights for navigating volatile market conditions

 

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 3
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, 12:30 - 13:30
Communications
10.1 The Employee Communication Conundrum

Pam Chernoff, Aon (US)
Sarah Long, Wealth at Work (UK)
Gemma Ludwig, Vialto Partners (UK)
Eileen Nguyen, Google (UK)
Augustin Serban, Industry Expert (ES)

Global
BREAKOUT X

Communicating equity plan details is crucial for employee understanding and appreciation, especially when cash is often prioritised over non-cash benefits. In this session, we will explore how different companies approach the challenge of conveying the value of equity compensation.

With insights from Google, we’ll discuss how to reach both mobile and non-mobile employees, and examine the most effective communication strategies for different generations, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z and beyond.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how to emphasize the value of equity plans to employees, particularly when cash compensation is more immediately attractive.
  • Discover the most effective communication methods for different generations of employees, from quick, digestible information for younger workers to more detailed, comprehensive content for older generations.
  • Explore strategies for communicating equity compensation to mobile employees, addressing how their mobility impacts their equity awards and ensuring they understand their benefits.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 1
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Communications
Level:
O
Wednesday, 30 Apr 2025, 12:30 - 13:30
Finance, tax and accounting
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)
Adie Leung, FGE, Industry Expert (HK)
Rahul Somani, Qapita (IN)
 

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)
Jeremy Edwards, Baker McKenzie (UK)
Peter Kontara, Uber (US)

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)
Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA (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:
Karlin 4

CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Thursday, 15 Jun 2023, 16:00 - 16:50
Trending now
EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEMES IN AUSTRALIA: A TECTONIC SHIFT

SPEAKER: Eileen Liu, Arnold Bloch Leibler

Australia
BREAKOUT XI

It has been a big year for employee incentives in Australia.

A new regulatory regime came into effect in October 2022, and this has brought about a tectonic shift in the regulatory plumbing that underpins the operation of employee incentive schemes.

The stated aim of the regulatory reforms was to demonstrate the commitment of Australia’s (former) Federal Government to “reducing red tape for business, supporting job creation and competitive remuneration, and incentivising employers and employees to work together to contribute to a strong and sustained post COVID-19 economic recovery.”

Following the passing of these reforms, all companies that operate plans in Australia, whether listed or unlisted, large or small, need to pause to consider how the new regulatory rules will impact on the operation of their ESS plans.

There have also been a few contentious rules that may encourage issuer companies to alter their plan design.

Attendees will learn:

  • The anticipated effects of the new regime on plan design.
  • Which key issues need to be front of mind when a company operates an employee incentive plan in Australia, including those that relate to directors' personal liability.
  • A broad overview of the regulatory framework that underpins employee incentive schemes in Australia.

 

Thursday, 15 Jun 2023, 16:00 - 16:50
Trending now
THE ART OF THE DEAL: ADJUST, CONVERT AND FLOURISH - 2.0

SPEAKERS: Sinead Kelley, Baker McKenzie, Barbara Klementz, Baker McKenzie

Global
BREAKOUT XI

Corporate transactions can have knock-on effects for outstanding equity awards and plans.

This session explores best practice on the approach and communication of these changes to awards, including the administrative and timing challenges encountered when reflecting award adjustments on broker platforms.

The expert panel will discuss their experiences, including managing awards during the re-domiciliation from a UK to a US parent company, and the equity award challenges resulting from a $11.7 billion acquisition.

Attendees will learn:

  • The common pitfalls when adjusting awards post-transaction including which transactional adjustments can trigger tax and regulatory issues for issues that have granted in multiple countries
  • How to provide accurate, bespoke, meaningful and concise communication of the changes to participants
  • How to prepare equity award databases to reflect adjusted awards, dealing with rounding and black-out periods
Thursday, 8 Jun 2023, 13:00 - Friday, 15 Sep 2023, 17:00
Best of Edinburgh
CHANGES TO 10B5-1 ARE ON THE DOORSTEP

SPEAKERS: Rich Baker, Morgan Stanley at Work (US), Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors (US), Veronica Wissel, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (US)

Global
ON-DEMAND

The SER has announced that the final rule changes to 10b5-1 will be released this April. Don’t let this long-awaited, and long-anticipated, rule change catch you, and your company’s employees, unaware.

Join this session for a timely and thought-provoking discussion that will prepare you for the changes.

  • Hear details of the proposed amendments from the experts
  • Understand how the changes might affect your company and executives
  • Come away with the knowledge and tools to take action