THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
KEYNOTE ADDRESSES
GEO takes pride in partnering with keynote speakers that represent the most influential, forward thinking, and astute leaders from business, academia and everyday life to share their stories and ideas and make a difference to your work and personal life and enhance your conference experience.
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
10.45 - 12.00
FOREVER HUMAN
AI isn’t your competitive advantage. You are.
As artificial intelligence transforms every industry, technology is no longer the differentiator — it’s the baseline. The real advantage now lies in the one asset machines cannot replicate: intentional human behavior.
In Forever Human, Sylvie di Giusto delivers a bold and empowering message for leaders navigating AI disruption: the future belongs to those who know how to operationalize humanity.
As automation accelerates decision-making and digital interactions replace face-to-face connection, trust, credibility, emotional intelligence, and behavioral awareness become measurable business drivers. Leaders must not only adopt new technologies — they must evolve how they communicate, influence, and build loyalty in a tech-saturated world.
This keynote introduces a structured leadership blueprint to lead confidently, compete effectively, and win in the age of AI.
- Equip leaders with a decision-making framework for AI-driven transformation
- Elevate client loyalty in digital-first environments
- Turn AI disruption into a strategic advantage
- Lead at the intersection of human intelligence and artificial intelligence
Technology will shape the future. But human behavior will define who wins.
Thursday, 23 April 2026
14.30 - 15.30
LEAD LIKE A ROCK STAR: ELEVATE YOUR TEAM TO LEGENDARY SUCCESS
In this high-energy keynote, Marvelless Mark Kamp reveals how the world’s most memorable leaders think and perform like legendary rock stars—energizing their teams, aligning them around a shared vision, and creating the momentum that drives extraordinary results.
Drawing powerful parallels between the music industry and the business world, Mark shows how great leaders don’t just manage people—they inspire them. Through humor, storytelling, and practical strategies, he demonstrates how leaders can communicate with impact, foster collaboration, and create an environment where every team member plays their part in the bigger performance.
Attendees will learn how to unite their “band” around a compelling mission, set clear expectations, and keep their teams motivated and moving forward together. The session delivers actionable insights into strengthening communication, empowering team members to perform at their best, and building a culture where success is shared.
This dynamic keynote equips leaders with the mindset and tools to lead with energy, amplify their impact, and keep their teams rocking long after the conference ends. 🎸
SPECIAL NETWORKING SESSIONS
Join us for exclusive sessions tailored to bring together like-minded attendees for networking and enjoyment.
Get ready to forge valuable connections, share insights, and have a great time in a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
Don't miss out on this chance to elevate your conference experience!
Monday, 20 April 2026
16.00 - 17.00
Come join us for a relaxed happy hour and connect with fellow Chapter Leaders from around the world!
We’ll toast to your incredible work organizing GEO events in your regions and spend some time sharing ideas, successes, and strategies for the year ahead. It’s a global strategy session—over cocktails!
Monday, 20 April 2026
17.00 - 18.00
Join us for an exclusive networking drinks event bringing together the Fellows of Global Equity, the geoElevate mentors and mentees, and the Future Leaders of Global Equity classes of 2024 and 2025!
This is your chance to connect with industry experts and the next generation of leaders from around the world before the conference kicks off.
During this gathering, you'll be among peers eager to share best practices, delve into industry trends, and welcome the latest additions to our esteemed community.
It’s an opportunity not to be missed!
TUESDAY, 21 APRIL 2026
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
9.00 - 10.30
Get ready to kick off the conference in style!
Join your global peers at an exclusive issuer-only learning and networking breakfast event designed to help you make essential connections right from the start of the conference.
Gain fresh perspectives by learning from fellow issuers around the world who are tackling the same challenges in different countries.
Issuer-Only Roundtable: What Have You Outsourced—and Why?
As equity programs grow more complex, issuers are increasingly faced with decisions around what to keep in-house and what to outsource. From administration and payroll to tax reporting, mobility, and technology support, these choices can have a significant impact on efficiency, risk management, cost, and internal resources.
This issuer-only roundtable offers a confidential, peer-driven forum to discuss what functions organizations have outsourced, what they’ve retained internally, and the reasoning behind those decisions. Participants will share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and practical considerations—including what worked, what didn’t, and what they would do differently.
KEY LEARNING POINTS
- Benchmark outsourcing decisions against peers by understanding which equity compensation functions issuers commonly outsource, which they retain in-house, and the business rationale behind those choices.
- Identify decision drivers and trade-offs—including cost, risk, scalability, internal expertise, and global complexity—to better evaluate outsourcing opportunities within your own organization.
- Apply practical lessons learned from real issuer experiences to improve vendor selection, governance, and long-term outsourcing outcomes.
SPEAKERS: Melissa Jackmin, Mohawk Industries, Sepehr Samari, Microsoft, Shane Hughes, Walmart, Augustin Serban, The Magnum Ice Cream Company
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
15.35 - 16.15
GEO Issuer Advisory Council members are invited to discover the power of in-person collaboration before the doors open to conference attendees.
Proudly chaired by the GEO Board Issuer Committee, the agenda is thoughtfully designed to cover a spectrum of topics. This is your chance to actively contribute to the global dialogue surrounding GEO's mission.
If you have specific topics you'd like to see on the agenda, we welcome your input in advance.
Mark your calendars, pack your ideas, and let's shape the future of GEO together at this not-to-be-missed in-person meeting.
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The Issuer Advisory Council of GEO convenes regularly, fostering a dynamic and engaging dialogue among its members on a global scale.
This important group collaboratively addresses a spectrum of issues, ranging from intricate matters concerning GEO's strategic trajectory to advisory decisions regarding GEO's content and events.
Participation in these discussions is open to all interested issuer members, ensuring a diverse and comprehensive exchange of insights from around the world.
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
16.15 - 17.00
New to GEO and attending the conference for the first time? You’re not alone!
Join us for a welcome drink and meet the GEO team along with other first-time attendees before the opening party begins.
Tuesday, 21 April 2026
17.00 - 22.00
CENTRAL MACHINE WORKS
Sponsored by Morgan Stanley at Work, kick off GEO’s 27th Annual Conference in true Texan style at The Austin Experience opening night party!
Join colleagues and friends for an unforgettable evening featuring authentic Texas BBQ, local craft brews, live music, and yard games — all set in one of Austin’s most iconic venues. It’s the perfect way to unwind after the first day, connect with the global GEO community, and experience the energy that makes Austin the Live Music Capital of the World.
Bringing guests? Guest tickets are available to purchase here.
Already registered for the conference? Just visit the reservation page and 'MODIFY' your booking
WEDNESDAY, 22 APRIL 2026
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
8.00 - 9.00
Come join GEO Fellows for an exclusive breakfast event where you'll have the chance to meet other global share plan rock stars!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your network and exchange ideas with the best in the field. See you there!
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
9.00 - 10.15
Employee share plans are no longer a 'nice to have.' They’re becoming a board-level growth strategy.
Fresh insights from Computershare’s 2026 Outlook Survey of 600+ equity professionals reveal a decisive shift: accelerated global ESPP expansion, broader employee eligibility, and a renewed focus on financial wellness as a driver of retention and performance.
This all-attendee, spotlight-on-stage session brings together Sheila Frierson, FGE, and Francis Catterall, the CEO of Employee Share Plans for Computershare, alongside leading issuer voices for a bold, data-driven conversation about what’s really changing — and why it matters now.
Expect straight talk.
Expect real-world insight.
Expect practical strategies you can take back to your organization.
The panel will move beyond headline trends to explore:
- Why companies are scaling global ESPPs and widening participation — and the measurable impact they’re seeing
- How technology-enabled participant experiences are redefining engagement
- Where execution breaks down — from integration headaches to communication gaps — and how to fix it
- How AI and financial education are reshaping the future of equity design
This is not theory. It’s transformation in action.
You’ll leave with:
- Clear insight into the global forces accelerating equity expansion
- Proven design strategies to strengthen culture, retention, and ROI
- Practical solutions to modernize your plan with intention and impact
Join the Conversation
This is your chance to influence the dialogue. Submit your questions in advance — from global growth strategies to AI, participation challenges to tech modernization — and hear them tackled live on stage.
If equity is part of your 2026 strategy, this is the session that will shape it.
Wednesday, 22 April 2026
19.00 - Late
Lone Star Ballroom, JW Marriott
DRESS CODE: Smart (black tie or business attire)
Join the global share plan community in Austin, Texas on 22 April 2026 for a landmark occasion — the 25th GEO Awards Ceremony.
This silver anniversary celebration will be held in the elegant Lone Star Ballroom at the JW Marriott Austin, where we will shine a spotlight on the most innovative and impactful share plan and executive compensation strategies from around the world.
The evening doesn’t end there — continue the celebration at an exclusive after party on the Edge Rooftop. With spectacular skyline views, it’s the perfect setting to toast achievements, connect with peers, and celebrate 25 years of excellence in the GEO community.
A seat at the GEO Awards is included in the ticket price for all GEO's 27th Annual Conference attendees.
INDIVIDUAL TICKETS, TABLES AND SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE SOON
Already registered for the conference? Just visit the reservation page and 'MODIFY' your booking
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A lively event in the Exhibit Hall featuring structured networking activities designed to help you meet fellow attendees and make connections, Austin-style!