Southwest

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

SOUTHWEST
NETWORKING EVENTS
People meeting

CHAPTER TEAM:

Ramon Dominguez, Lucid Motors

 

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

Danyle Anderson, FGE, Bank of America

WELCOME TO THE SOUTHWEST CHAPTER

This local chapter community is dedicated to sharing knowledge, experiences, and resources to help members develop their skills, expand their networks, and make a positive impact in their communities. You will have access to a wide range of valuable resources and opportunities including educational sessions and networking events. 

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cheers drnks

REGIONAL RESOURCES

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IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
1 October 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER
austin texas

Austin, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
  • Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
  • Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION
UBS Financial Services 
98 San Jacinto Blvd 
#600 
Austin, Texas 78701 
(UBS First Floor Conference Room)

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Image removed.

 

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
18 September 2025, 11am - 1pm MST
GEO SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING
southwest chapter meeting

Scottsdale, AZ

Trending now
All plan types
USA

PLANNING FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL EQUITY GRANT

We’re excited to welcome you to the inaugural Southwest Chapter meeting!

As we head into fall, it’s time to start planning for your 2026 equity grants. In this webcast, we discuss emerging trends and best practices in plan design and administration, as well as key forecasting considerations across share pool, expense, and dilution.

Join us for this kickoff chapter meeting as we explore the evolving proxy landscape and share best practices to help you stay ahead.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • How to prepare for the rapidly approaching proxy season
  • Why cross-functional collaboration is essential for proxy success
  • Best practices for managing evolving proxy requirements

LOCATION:
Equity Methods Office 
8801 E Raintree Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
 

Lunch and dessert provided by Flower Child.

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.  Registration is required.

CPE Credit is available:
Learning Objectives:

  • Planning and goal-setting considerations against a backdrop of market uncertainty
  • Trends in LTI designs and retirement eligibility
  • Tips on handling the administration of annual grant issuances and settlements
  • A deep dive on forecasting stock-based compensation to avoid future surprises
  • Share pool tracking so you’re ahead of the game

CPE Credits: 1.0
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Overview
Advance Preparation: none required
Prerequisites: none required
Additional CPE details

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
2 October 2025, 3:30 - 5pm CDT
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER
houston

Houston, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
  • Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
  • Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION:
UBS Financial Services
4400 Post Oak Parkway,
16th and 17th Floor
Houston, Texas 78701
 

HAPPY HOUR IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING
Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette
4224 San Felipe St
Houston, Texas 77027

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Image removed.

 

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
30 September 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER
dallas texas

Dallas, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

TEXAS FALL ROADSHOW

EQUITY EXCELLENCE: STRATEGIC EQUITY PLAN DESIGN AND YEAR-END EXECUTION

Join us this fall for this great session, presented by Stock & Option Solutions! We're offering three convenient dates and locations to make it easy for you to attend. This session will guide you through the best practices for designing and managing effective equity compensation plans that attract top talent and align with your organization's goals. We'll cover essential considerations like plan structure, grant types, vesting schedules, and participant communication.

You'll also get a comprehensive guide to year-end administration, including critical timelines, compliance requirements, tax considerations, and strategies for efficient reporting. Leave with actionable insights to optimize your equity programs and ensure a smooth year-end close.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Learn to design equity plans that attract talent and meet business objectives.
  • Master key aspects of plan structure, grants, and clear communication.
  • Navigate year-end administration, compliance, and reporting with confidence.

There is no cost to attend and members and non-member are free to join, but registration is required.

LOCATION
UBS Financial Services
100 Crescent Court #400
Dallas, Texas 75201

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

texas sponsors

 

 

ARTICLE
4 August 2025
SHARE PLAN ACT OFFERS 3% TAX REDUCTION FOR GIVING STOCK TO LOWER-PAID EMPLOYEES
External News

NCEO

USA

The bipartisan SHARE Plan Act would give US companies with 500 or more employees a 3% corporate tax rate reduction if they grant stock at no cost to the lowest-paid 80% of their workforce, excluding top earners. Companies qualify by distributing at least 1% of their stock in a given year or 5% cumulatively, with stock grants subject to vesting but required to fully vest within five years and be freely transferable once vested. While the bill could significantly expand broad-based employee ownership, its success depends on whether the tax incentive outweighs the costs for companies, and its large potential budget impact may challenge passage.

ARTICLE
4 August 2025
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN EMPLOYEE SHARE SCHEME AND AN ESOP?
External News

BlueRock

General
All plan types
USA

An employee share scheme (ESS) gives employees actual shares in a company, providing immediate ownership rights such as dividends and voting power, while an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) grants options—the right to purchase shares at a set price in the future. The key difference is that shares provide instant ownership and benefits, whereas options only become valuable if exercised when the market price exceeds the strike price. Both models are used by companies, including startups and listed firms, to attract and retain talent, but they differ in timing of benefits, tax treatment, and flexibility in participation.

ARTICLE
1 August 2025
HOW WELL IS EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP WORKING?
External News

Harvard Business Review
 

General
All plan types
Global

Since 1974, ESOPs have expanded dramatically in the U.S., growing from 1,600 to over 8,000 companies and giving more than eight million employees an ownership stake. Studies show that ESOP firms grow faster in sales and employment than comparable companies, especially when employee ownership is combined with genuine participation in decision-making. Beyond financial gains, ESOPs foster stronger engagement, motivation, and long-term stability, proving most effective when both ownership and participation are present together.

ARTICLE
1 August 2025
SHARE SHEME EXPERTISE
External News

David Craddock Consultancy Services

General
All plan types
Global

Research shows that employee share schemes can boost productivity, corporate performance, growth, and employee compensation, particularly when combined with wider employee participation in decision-making. Large-scale studies found that ESOP companies often achieve higher returns on assets, sales growth, wages, and organizational stability compared to non-ESOP firms, with markets responding positively to their adoption. While results vary depending on structure and motivation, overall evidence suggests that employee ownership fosters stronger financial outcomes and a more engaged, stable workforce.

ARTICLE
1 August 2025
DOES EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP IMPROVE PERFORMANCE?
External News

IZA World of Labor

General
All plan types
Global

Employee ownership is generally associated with higher productivity, job stability, company survival, and broader sharing of wealth, which can help reduce inequality and improve economic resilience. While risks such as free-riding and financial exposure exist, evidence shows these can be mitigated through supportive policies like employee participation, training, and diversification. Given its potential benefits for both firms and society, many argue that public policies—such as tax incentives, supportive infrastructure, and legal frameworks—are justified to encourage wider adoption of employee ownership.

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

GEO members in your area can come together to engage in meaningful discussions, share ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow members who share similar interests via GEOconnect. Whether you're a long-time member or a newcomer, we encourage you to participate and contribute to the vibrant discussions happening here.

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

Access details of past local events and their materials. Whether you missed an event or want to revisit the content, our community discussion board provides a platform to access event information, including presentations, videos, and discussions. 

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

Explore the GEO Insights area, where you can filter by region to access the latest events, articles, survey findings, and reports. Stay updated with the latest information and insights specific to your region, and gain valuable knowledge from our curated content. 

AVAILABLE TO GEOS MEMBER ONLY
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