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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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Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 11:00 - 12:00
3.2 Stock-based Compensation for an Increasingly Diverse Workforce

Sandy Shurin, Deloitte
Christy Browning, Dell 

Czech Republic
BREAKOUT III

Stock-based compensation is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining top talent, but are we truly measuring its return on investment through the lens of key talent objectives?

In this first-of-its-kind survey, Deloitte surveyed nearly 1,750 early-career and diverse employees to uncover the personal narratives and demographic identities influencing their participation in these programs. The findings highlight the critical need for employers to align their stock-based compensation offerings with their talent goals and to approach program design with flexibility, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds of early-career and underrepresented employees.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

- Learn how early-career and diverse employees view stock-based compensation and how these perspectives shape participation.

- Gain actionable insights on how Dell is aligning its compensation programs with specific talent objectives to maximize impact.

- Walk away with practical takeaways on how to adjust your stock-based compensation programs to better meet the needs and preferences of your workforce.

LOCATION:
Palmovka 2
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 11:00 - 12:00
3.3 Global and Mobile 101 - Fundamentals of Global Tax and Mobility for Equity Plans

Darren Smith, Morgan Stanely at Work
Cathy Goonetilleke, EY
AmyLynn Flood, FGE, Vialto Partners
Mark Miller, Deloitte

Czech Republic
BREAKOUT III

Join senior experts from all the Big 4 accounting firms for an interactive roundtable on managing tax compliance for global equity plans. In this session, speakers, moderators, and participants will explore key considerations in tax mobility, the essential elements of a well-administered global plan, and the challenges faced when managing equity compensation for a mobile workforce.

Attendees will gain practical strategies to enhance their international tax processes and ensure compliance with equity administration responsibilities.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

- Best practices for tax compliance in global equity plans.

- Lessons learned from managing tax compliance across borders.

- Emerging market trends and future expectations in equity compensation.

LOCATION:
Palmovka 3
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 11:00 - 12:00
3.4 Navigating Employment Law Challenges in Global Share Plans

Sinead Kelly, Baker McKenzie
Katja Haferer, Baker McKeznie
Eaton Williamson, Seagate Technologies
Sophie Boucher, Palo Alto Networks

Czech Republic
BREAKOUT III

Operating a global equity plan in a way that meets the company's incentive and retention goals while complying with a myriad of laws can be challenging, especially when factoring in employment law considerations on a global basis.

This session explores how companies can effectively manage these challenges, both from a legal perspective and in practice, focusing on the latest developments and best practices globally related to termination of employment and retirement, leave of absence, restrictive covenants, clawback enforceability and more.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

- Learn best practices for managing equity awards during voluntary and involuntary terminations, ensuring compliance and retention goals are met.

- Understand how different types of leave—such as maternity, medical, or military—affect equity compensation and how to adapt plans accordingly.

- Explore strategies for implementing enforceable clawback policies and effectively navigating non-compete and non-solicitation agreements in a global context.

LOCATION:
Palmovka 4
Tuesday, 29 Apr 2025, 11:00 - 12:00
3.5 Battle of the Plans: UK and Europe v US

Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
Elena Petrou, Aviva
Megan Hunt, Samsara
Chris Potash, Harter Secrest & Emery

Czech Republic
BREAKOUT III

Join expert speakers from Tapestry, HSE (US counsel), Aviva (UK), and Samsara (US) as they discuss their diverse approaches to designing equity compensation plans for a global workforce.

From global matching plans to employee stock purchase plans (ESPP), this session will provide insights into creating effective equity plans that drive employee ownership and engagement across different cultures and regions.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

- Learn how to design equity compensation plans that work across global workforces.

- Discover innovative approaches to employee ownership and enhancing plan understanding.

- Explore strategies for ensuring compliance and best practices when expanding or exiting from markets.

LOCATION:
Karin 4
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 13:00 - 13:50
Design and strategy
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EQUITY: NURTURING THE EMPLOYEE JOURNEY

SPEAKERS: June Davenport, Morgan Stanley at Work, Ceri Newby, Diageo, Chrissie Davis, Eximia, Julia Clement, Skyscanner, Phoebe Stamford-Moroz, Tate and Lyle

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Equity is a critical component of the employee journey and experience. However, ensuring its relevance with your workforce and driving desired outcomes requires a thoughtful approach. The expert panel will delve into the evolving expectations of employees, understanding how equity fits seamlessly within the broader reward and compensation package. Explore the goals and impacts of various equity programs and gain insights into the crucial role of communication, engagement, and education throughout the employee journey. Join the session to uncover strategies that align equity practices effectively and optimize their impact on employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Attendees will learn:

  • How to integrate equity holistically within the overall reward and compensation package and in line with employee expectations in relation to equity
  • The Goals, impacts, and considerations for different types of equity programs
  • The importance of communication, engagement, and education in the employee journey.
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 13:00 - 13:50
Trending now
GEIS 2023: EXPLORING TRENDING THEMES IN DEPTH

SPEAKERS: Andrew Thain, hkp/// group, David Voggeser, hkp/// group, Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP, Sheila Frierson, Computershare, AmyLynn Flood, Vialto Partners, Mitan Patel, FGE, Fidelity

Global
BREAKOUT IV

This illuminating session will shine a spotlight and explore the role of equity in the GEIS 2023 survey’s key emerging topics: Equity in Talent, Investor Relations, and Global Mobility.

The expert panel will dive deep into these special focus areas, gaining valuable insights and practical strategies to explore how equity can be a powerful tool in shaping successful organizations in an increasingly competitive and globalized world.

Attendees will learn:

  • Talent and Markets: Explore talent war and market volatility's impact on equity compensation for attracting and retaining top talent
  • Investor Relations: Discover the role of equity compensation in transparent communication and enhancing company performance
  • Equity and Global Mobility: Navigate complexities in cross-border talent attraction through equity compensation
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Design and strategy
4.1 EMPOWERING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: SUEZ'S AWARD-WINNING ESPP SHARE PLAN

Jerome Laurre, BeyondSolutions
Nadine Thouin, Suez

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Suez, the recipient of the 2023 GEO AWARD for Best Use of Employee Share Plans in a Corporate Action, invites you to explore their remarkable journey. This presentation will walk you through their commitment to significantly increase employee ownership, the global implementation of a French-type ESPP with innovative leverage formulas, and the resounding success of this initiative.

Join this inspiring session that unveils the power of employee ownership and shares valuable lessons from Suez's award-winning plan.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Strategic implementation: Learn how Suez executed its most significant employee share ownership plan, achieving record-high participation rates within the organization.
  • Navigating challenges: Explore the complexities and challenges that Suez encountered while implementing their employee share plans, gaining insights into overcoming obstacles.
  • Adapting best practices: Discuss opportunities to incorporate similar features into your own share ownership plans, leveraging the success and strategies employed by Suez.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Operational effectiveness
4.2 ELEVATE YOUR GLOBAL EQUITY PROGRAM: NUGGETS OF WISDOM FROM EXPERTS

June Davenport, FGE, Morgan Stanley at Work
Tara Hagen, FGE, Global Tax Network
Eaton Williamson, Seagate

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

Looking for nuggets of wisdom to help improve the performance of your global equity program? This illuminating session explores the profound influence of advice on personal and professional growth.

Featuring a diverse panel of accomplished individuals who have both offered and received life-changing guidance, our experts recount the pivotal moments when they received or provided advice that led to transformative outcomes.

You will leave with a treasure trove of insights and actionable takeaways that aid a deeper understanding of the power of guidance and the lasting impact it can have on your journey to success.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Transformative guidance: Discover the most impactful advice shared by our panelists and how it has shaped their careers and personal development.
  • Decision-making insights: Learn how pivotal advice moments have influenced critical decisions, providing you with valuable perspectives for your own journey.
  • Actionable takeaways: Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding talent, gain actionable insights to enhance your path to success. Explore the enduring power of guidance and its potential to shape your trajectory.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.

Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Legal and regulatory
Private and pre-IPO companies
4.3 PROMOTION OF THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM TO PUBLIC EQUITY TRANSITIONS

Christian Hyldig, Aon plc
Jaime Pavía, Cuatrecasas
Katalin Kiss, Delivery Hero

Cash deferral
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
Germany
Spain
BREAKOUT IV

Join us for a dynamic session that sheds light on the thriving startup landscapes in both Germany and Spain. Berlin consistently ranks among the top three startup cities in Europe, while Madrid and Barcelona secure coveted spots in the top 10. In this enlightening presentation, we will explore how both countries have recently upgraded their regulatory frameworks to support the creation and growth of startups.

The expert panel will provide invaluable insights into implementing your equity strategy across the transition in both countries. Discover how the Spanish Act to Promote the Startup Ecosystem, enacted in 2023, has revolutionized the regulatory landscape to support startups, and compare it to the German startup ecosystem.

This session is a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of startup-friendly policies in Germany and Spain and equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in two of Europe's most dynamic startup ecosystems.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Startup ecosystem comparison: Gain a deep understanding of the startup ecosystems in Germany and Spain, and learn why Berlin is a top contender. Explore the factors that contribute to the success of these cities.
  • Navigating equity vehicles: Understand the intricate landscape of equity vehicles, spanning both private and public markets, and gain insights into their significance for startups in both countries.
  • Evolution of equity guidelines: Explore the evolving equity guideline framework, tracing its journey from the private sector to the public domain in both Germany and Spain, and grasp its implications for your startup's growth trajectory.
  • Global equity roll-out: Dive into market data and practical perspectives on executing a global equity strategy, ensuring you're well-prepared for international expansion, with a specific focus on Germany and Spain.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

Please visit our Continuing Education and Event Policies pages for more information.