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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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Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Finance, tax and accounting
4.3 Don't live on a prayer…or paycheck to paycheck because of your ESPP!

Sean Ross, Charles Schwab
Megan Hunt, Samsara
Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
 

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Engage with our expert panel in a comprehensive session covering essential aspects of Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPP). Explore intricacies such as tax withholding for international employees, including methods like "Sell to Cover" and withholding through paychecks. Delve into determining the correct withholding rate for international participants, navigating beyond the maximum tax rate, and effectively communicating these nuances without providing tax advice. Uncover strategies to overcome language barriers and address global assumptions when promoting your ESPP.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Tax withholding methods for international employees and paycheck withholding
  • Determining the correct withholding rate for international participants
  • Strategies for overcoming language barriers and promoting ESPP globally

 

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
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Finance, tax and accounting
4.4 Equity plan data considerations and action plans for mergers and acquisitions

Michael Mauro, insightsoftware
Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity
Sara Anderson, Thermofisher Scientific

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

An expert panel, seasoned in navigating corporate transitions, will explore critical considerations of equity plans amid mergers, acquisitions, and spinoffs, such as the post-transaction treatment of outstanding awards, ensuring equity and managing excise tax exposure. Join them in unraveling key accounting and data intricacies, and discover actionable insights to sidestep administrative nightmares.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the seasoned experts as they share invaluable strategies for navigating the complex landscape of equity plans in corporate transformations.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigate the post-transaction treatment of outstanding equity awards
  • Ensure fairness in equity distribution during corporate restructuring
  • Manage and mitigate excise tax exposure effectively

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
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Data and business intelligence
4.5 Revolutionizing equity compensation: unveiling AI insights from GEIS 2024

GEIS Sponsor panel

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Explore the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on equity compensation strategies in this session featuring cutting-edge findings from the Global Equity Insights Survey 2024 (GEIS 2024). Our expert panel delves into the intersection of AI and equity compensation, providing comprehensive insights into the latest trends, best practices, and real-world applications.
Join them to gain a deep understanding of the AI-driven transformation of equity compensation strategies, exploring practical applications and ensuring compliance in the evolving landscape of corporate compensation strategies.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • AI-powered equity compensation: Reshaping traditional practices and understanding its significance
  • AI algorithms for equity management: Enhancing planning and execution through advanced algorithms
  • AI-driven employee insights: Leveraging AI for informed decision-making and employee understanding

 

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
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Legal and regulatory
4.1 Navigating Equity Awards in a World of Swift Political Change

Will Clifton, Baker McKenzie  
Veerle Lerut, Baker McKenzie  
Agnes Charpenet, Baker McKenzie  
Don-Tobias Jol, Baker McKenzie  
Amy Thompson, Baker McKenzie  

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Restricted shares
Stock options
Belgium
France
Germany
Global
Netherlands
UK and Channel Islands
BREAKOUT IV

Examine the impact of the current political climate in Western Europe on share plans and employee taxation with insights from our expert panel. The session will explore current trends, key tax, and legal challenges, and what to expect in the near future. Gain a broader understanding of emerging issues and how they might affect your share plans.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understand how the political climate in Western Europe could influence share plans and employee taxation
  • Identify key tax and legal challenges currently affecting and expected to impact share plans
  • Gain insights into emerging issues across the continent and how they may affect your strategies
LOCATION:
Affiliation Hub 1



CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Tax
Level:
I
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
4.2 Phantom Awards: Why Cashing Out is not as Scary as it Sounds!

Matthew Hunter, Tapestry Compliance
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors

 

Cash deferral
Choice plans
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 IV

Discover why cash-settling or using phantom awards can be a practical solution for global equity plans in this session. Our expert panel will demystify the process, covering when it’s appropriate to cash settle—such as in cases of complex administration or legal issues in regions like China, the Philippines, or Vietnam. Learn about different cash-settled structures, including how they compare to pure phantom awards, and gain insights into documentation, administration, and common pitfalls. Understand the risks involved, such as Canadian Salary Deferral Rules and securities laws impacting derivatives.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Learn when and why to use cash-settlement or phantom awards for global equity plans
  • Explore different cash-settled structures and how to effectively document and administer them
  • Identify potential risks and pitfalls, including regional legal issues and securities laws
LOCATION:
Affiliation Hub 2




CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
4.3 Unlocking Global Employee Engagement: Experian's Successful Freeshare Award Strategy

Colin Buchanan, Computershare
Richard Solk, Experian
Jen Owen, Experian
 

Executive plans
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Save as you earn (SAYE)
Share incentive plans (SIP)
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Explore Experian's groundbreaking global freeshare award initiative, which introduced share grants in countries where employees had never received them before. This session will reveal the unique challenges faced, including effective communication of plan details, ensuring employee understanding, and maximising participation rates. Discover how Experian incentivised long-term commitment with a bonus award for employees who retained their shares for three years. 

Attendees will gain insights into why employees favored shares over cash and how this aligns with Experian’s broader goals. Learn from Experian’s experience to enhance your own strategies for clear communication and driving employee engagement.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Discover the challenges and solutions for rolling out a global freeshare award initiative
  • Learn how strategic incentives like bonus shares can boost employee retention and alignment with company goals
  • Understand the importance of effective communication in maximising participation and employee engagement
LOCATION:
Partnership 1




CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Communication and Marketing
Level:
O
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
4.4 Leveraging Broad-Based Equity Programs for Company-Wide Success

Danyle Anderson, FGE, Bank of America
Bill Castellano, Rutgers University
 

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Restricted shares
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Discover how broad-based employee share ownership programs can be a game-changer for your organisation, especially during challenging times. This session will highlight the importance of cohesive teamwork, mutual trust, and accountability in achieving success.

Learn how inclusive and wide-reaching equity programs can attract, motivate, and retain employees. Hear from innovative companies about their successful equity plans and strategies, including special retention grants, celebration grants, and stock purchase plans. Explore how these programs can drive corporate strategic goals and maintain competitiveness in a tough talent market.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understand the benefits of broad-based employee share ownership programs in fostering trust, accountability, and organisational success
  • Discover strategies for designing inclusive equity programs that attract, motivate, and retain top talent
  • Learn from success stories about using equity as a long-term incentive to navigate challenges and remain competitive
LOCATION:
Partnership 2
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Personnel/HR
Level:
O
Wednesday, 13 Nov 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Trending now
4.5 AI in Action: Enhancing Share Plans Through Practical Applications and Insights

Liam Cox, CMS (UK)
Cathy Wears, CMS (UK)
 

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Join this sesion for an engaging session that brings AI to life with practical applications in share plans and beyond. The CMS legal innovations team will demystify generative AI, demonstrating its mechanics through live examples. Learn how to optimize AI prompts and get top tips for effective prompting. The expert panel will also discuss AI's impact on share plans, covering legal considerations, design, implementation, communication, and administration. This session will show you how to leverage AI to enhance the efficacy and reach of your share plans.

 KEY LEARNINGS: 

  • Understand generative AI and see live examples of its practical applications
  • Learn how to optimize AI prompts for maximum benefit with top prompting tips
  • Discover how AI impacts the design, implementation, communication, and administration of share plans
     
LOCATION:
Partnership 3
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Information Technology
Level:
B
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 13:15 - 14:00
Design and strategy
4.1 Czech Mate: Mastering Mergers and Acquisitions in the Face of Private Equity Challenges 

Michael Grealey, Gartner (UK)
Michal Herink, PwC (SE)
Tim Hughes, PwC (UK)
Jacob Jonmyren, Embracer Group (SE)
 

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Acquiring privately-owned and early-stage companies presents unique challenges for corporate issuers. This session explores how equity compensation strategies can help navigate these transactions, retain key talent, and align diverse management goals.
From competing with private equity firms for founder-led businesses to integrating teams with differing cultural norms, attendees will gain practical insights and examples of how tailored equity plans ensure competitive and effective outcomes.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Collaborate on how to structure equity offers that compete with private equity’s leveraged investment plans.
  • Share strategies for retaining management post-acquisition and navigating transitions after private equity plans are settled.
  • Discuss how equity compensation can help align cultures and behaviors, fostering synergy across teams in post-acquisition environments.
LOCATION:
Palmovka 1
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Not eligible
Level: