GEO INSIGHTS

Save the date to connect with your NorCal community this September in San Mateo, CA! 

In today’s dynamic global landscape, equity compensation is evolving at the intersection of technology, policy, and practice. These two forward-looking sessions examine the forces reshaping our field—from the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence to groundbreaking global research on employee share ownership. Whether you're exploring how AI tools like ChatGPT can complement human expertise, or uncovering international trends from GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project, these sessions will equip you with fresh insights to navigate the future of equity compensation with confidence and clarity.

SESSION ONE: 
AI vs. Human Expertise:  Exploring ChatGPT’s Role in Equity Compensation

In a rapidly changing technological landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) is making its mark across countless industries—including equity compensation. This session explores the evolving role of tools like ChatGPT and examines whether AI can truly replicate or complement human expertise in this nuanced field. Join us for an engaging discussion on the promises, pitfalls, and practical applications of AI in equity compensation strategy, compliance, and communication.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Understand the current capabilities and limitations of AI tools like ChatGPT in the context of equity compensation.
• Identify areas within equity compensation where AI may enhance efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making—and where human judgment remains essential.
• Evaluate ethical, legal, and practical considerations when integrating AI into equity compensation processes.
  
   

SESSION TWO:
Global Share Plans Ranking Study:  Insights, Opportunities, and the Future of Employee Ownership

GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project breaks new ground as the first initiative to provide a country-by-country snapshot of employee share ownership across the globe. This session highlights key findings from the expanded report, offering insights into which countries are embracing employee equity—and which markets may present emerging opportunities. Discover where support for employee ownership is thriving and explore the global trends shaping the future of equity compensation.

KEY LEARNING POINTS: 

• Understand the methodology and scope of GEO’s Global Share Plans Ranking Project and its significance to the equity compensation community.
• Identify top-performing countries in terms of employee share ownership support and participation.
• Recognize emerging markets with growth potential and explore strategies for expanding employee equity initiatives globally.
  
   

LOCATION
UBS
1285 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY, 10019

*Please indicate any dietary requirements in your registration as lunch will be provided. 

Members and non-members are welcome to join this chapter meeting.  Registration is required.

Navigating Employee Share Plans: Australian Issuer Insights

Join us for panel discussions in Sydney on June 3rd or Melbourne on June 5th (or both!) where we’ll explore the ins and outs of operating employee share plans in Australia. Whether you're new to share plans or looking for some insights on market practice, our panel of issuers will share their knowledge on topics like tax considerations, employee engagement, and the practical tips to managing share plans effectively (including ESS Reporting). You'll also have the chance to ask questions and hear real-world examples from those who’ve successfully navigated the process.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear what’s going on in the Australian market and network with those working with share plans.

Where:

June 3rd - Sydney
Baker & McKenzie Tower One
International Towers Sydney Level 46
100 Barangaroo Avenue
Sydney NSW 2000
 

June 5th - Melbourne
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Level 21
333 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000

Join the UK Chapter In Edinburgh

Join the GEO UK Chapter in Edinburgh, Scotland, for a compelling afternoon discussing some of the latest hot topics in equity compensation. We will be sharing highlights from GEO's Annual Conference in Prague, a Sharesave case study where we will hear from a selection of organisations about the effectiveness of the communication and financial education methods used to highlight key messages for their recent Sharesave maturities, Marcus Wright (NatWest) will be discussing and analysing the latest economic updates. We will also be taking some time to focus on our Next Gen, and this will be followed by networking.  We look forward to seeing you in Edinburgh soon!

Please bring valid ID to access the event.

LOCATION
NatWest Group
Gogarburn
175 Glasgow Road
Edinburgh
EH12 1HQ

GEO members and non-members are welcome to join.  Registration is required.

Navigating Employee Share Plans: Australian Issuer Insights

Join us for panel discussions in Sydney on June 3rd or Melbourne on June 5th (or both!) where we’ll explore the ins and outs of operating employee share plans in Australia. Whether you're new to share plans or looking for some insights on market practice, our panel of issuers will share their knowledge on topics like tax considerations, employee engagement, and the practical tips to managing share plans effectively (including ESS Reporting). You'll also have the chance to ask questions and hear real-world examples from those who’ve successfully navigated the process.

Don't miss this opportunity to hear what’s going on in the Australian market and network with those working with share plans.

Where:

June 3rd - Sydney
Baker & McKenzie Tower One
International Towers Sydney Level 46
100 Barangaroo Avenue
Sydney NSW 2000
 

June 5th - Melbourne
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Level 21
333 Collins Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000

Bringing the Conference Highlights To You

Join the GEO UK Chapter for an insightful afternoon of learning about some of the latest hot topics in equity compensation. We will listen to insightful stories from issuers, and also hear some of the highlights from Prague, followed by networking. Whether you were at the latest GEO Annual Conference or not, this won't be an event to miss!

Please bring valid ID to access the event.

LOCATION
Aon Offices
122 Leadenhall St
London
EC3V 4AN
 

GEO members and non-members are welcome to join.  Registration is required.

Equity and Privately Held Companies - It's a Matter of Value

As the event’s main sponsor, Baker McKenzie will kick off the meeting by introducing the core concepts and key valuation methods for equity-based compensation items that their specialists see being used in the market.

Following this introduction, we will have a panel of esteemed industry specialists who have personal experience in valuing non-listed companies, be it from the perspective of international private equity firms, start- or scale-up companies or family-owned businesses. They will bring a wealth of expertise in this matter to the table, and are eager to answer any questions you might have on this topic.

Thank you to our sponsor:

LOCATION:
Baker McKenzie Amsterdam
Claude Debussylaan 54 
1082 MD 
Amsterdam, Netherlands
 

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  Both GEO Member and Non-Members are welcome.  But registration is required.  

Hands On: Advancing Equity Through AI Tech Solutions

Join us for an engaging and interactive session exploring the transformative potential of AI technology in advancing equity plan administration. This hands-on workshop will dive into practical applications and innovative solutions that leverage AI to streamline workflows, reduce manual effort, and improve accuracy.
Participants will gain insights into cutting-edge AI tools and methodologies designed to make day-to-day equity administration more efficient. Through real-world case studies and collaborative activities, you’ll discover how to implement AI-driven strategies that ease the burden of complex tasks and improve overall effectiveness.

If you work in equity administration, this session will provide valuable knowledge, tools, and actionable steps to harness AI for a smarter, more streamlined future.

Key Learning Points:
 

• Discover practical ways AI can streamline equity plan administration and reduce manual workload.
• Explore real-world examples of how AI is being used to drive efficiency and improve accuracy.
• Learn how to evaluate and implement AI tools that align with your organization’s equity goals.

Both GEO members and non-members are welcome.  Registration is required.

Lunch will be provided

LOCATION:
Morgan Stanley 
Menlo Park Office
4500 Bohannon Dr
Menlo Park, CA  94025

We hope to see you there!

The GEO NorCal Chapter Team