Northern California | Global Equity Organization

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER SPONSORS

VISIT SPONSOR PAGE

LIVE WEBCAST

20 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT

DEMYSTIFYING AI: OPPORTUNITIES, LIMITATIONS, AND THE PATH FORWARD

Matt McKittrick, Baker Tilly
Loren Den Herder, Baker Tilly

Operational effectiveness

Trending now

All plan types

Global

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work—but what does that really mean for today’s business landscape? This session provides a clear, accessible overview of AI, including the current state of the technology, real-world examples of generative AI and machine learning in action, and the challenges organizations face in adopting it. We'll also explore internal roadblocks, such as resistance to change and data concerns, and take a realistic look at AI’s current limitations. Whether you’re new to the conversation or navigating AI integration within your organization, this session will leave you better equipped to evaluate its potential and prepare for what’s next.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Gain a foundational understanding of the current AI landscape and how it’s evolving.
Explore practical examples of generative AI and machine learning use cases in business.
Identify common internal challenges and limitations when implementing AI-driven solutions.

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits
*CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

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

WATCH THE WEBCAST

LIVE WEBCAST

14 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT

Bridging the Talent Gap in Equity Management: Smart Strategies for a Stronger Future

Donna Bell, insightsoftware
Michael Mauro, insightsoftware

Design and strategy

Employee engagement

All plan types

Global

The equity compensation industry is facing a critical talent shortage—with more than 60% of finance teams struggling to hire qualified professionals and a shrinking pool of experienced talent creating long-term risks for business continuity. This timely webinar explores how organizations can proactively address this challenge by developing scalable strategies to attract, grow, and retain top equity talent.

Join us to discover how strategic career development, succession planning, and emerging technologies can future-proof your equity programs and ensure long-term success. Whether you're leading a team or building one, walk away with proven approaches to elevate your equity function in a competitive market.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

Understand the root causes of the talent gap and how it's impacting equity functions across industries
Explore practical strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining skilled equity professionals
Learn how to leverage automation and technology to optimize workflows and reduce dependency on hard-to-fill roles

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

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

WATCH THE WEBCAST

ARTICLE

14 August 2025

‘BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL’ AFFECTS TAX PLANNING FOR STOCK OPTIONS AND RSUS

Forbes

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

USA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) brings several tax changes that affect equity compensation, including raising the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 through 2029, though the benefit phases out for incomes above $500,000. It also alters Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rules beginning in 2026, making it more likely high earners exercising incentive stock options will trigger the AMT. Additionally, the law expands Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) benefits and shortens holding periods for capital gains exclusions, while adding new limits on charitable deductions starting in 2026.

READ ARTICLE

ARTICLE

13 August 2025

WHY CFOS MUST STOP TREATING COMPENSATION AS A COST

CFO Dive

Finance, tax and accounting

All plan types

Global

CFOs should stop viewing compensation purely as a cost and instead treat it as a strategic investment aligned with business goals, using data-driven approaches that balance base pay, variable pay, equity, and benefits. A comprehensive compensation strategy helps retain top performers, manage underperformers, and attract talent even in uncertain markets, avoiding the costly turnover and inefficiencies of reactive, boom-and-bust pay tactics. By leveraging market intelligence and flexible incentives, companies can maximize the value of every compensation dollar and build resilience through economic cycles.

READ ARTICLE

ARTICLE

8 August 2025

EQUITY COMPENSATION FOR STARTUPS AND EARLY-STAGE EMPLOYEES

Ann Arbor SPARK

Private and pre-IPO companies

All plan types

Global

Equity compensation is a key tool for startups to attract and retain talent while conserving cash, offering employees ownership stakes that align their incentives with the company’s long-term success. Common forms include restricted stock awards (RSAs) and stock options (ISOs and NSOs), each with different tax treatments, benefits, and risks. While equity can motivate employees and provide significant financial upside, it also introduces legal, tax, and administrative complexities, making careful plan design and professional guidance essential.

READ ARTICLE

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

30 September 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT

GEO TEXAS CHAPTER

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

REGISTER

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

1 October 2025, 11am - 1pm CDT

GEO TEXAS CHAPTER

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

REGISTER

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

18 September 2025, 11am - 1pm MST

GEO SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING

Scottsdale, AZ

Trending now

All plan types

USA

GETTING READY FOR PROXY SEASON

We are excited to welcome you at our first Southwest Chapter meeting!

Ready or not, here it comes! Proxy season is quickly approaching and will be here before you know it. The proxy requires collaboration from multiple stakeholders, from accounting, to HR, Executive Compensation and Legal, it's all hands on deck! New tables required in the Proxy, such as Pay Versus Performance make collaboration even more critical!

Join us at this first meeting of the Southwest chapter as we discuss this ever evolving document and best practices surrounding it!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

How to prepare for the fast-approaching proxy season.
The necessity of cross-functional collaboration for proxy success.
Best practices for navigating evolving proxy document requirements.

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

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

REGISTER

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT

2 October 2025, 3:30 - 5pm CDT

GEO TEXAS CHAPTER

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

REGISTER

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.

VIEW CHAPTER Discussion BOARD

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.

Coming Soon

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.

View regional news & resources

AVAILABLE TO GEO MEMBERS ONLY

NORTH AMERICA CHAPTER

CHAPTER TEAM:

GEO BOARD CHAPTER LIAISON:

WELCOME TO THE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER

THANK YOU TO OUR CHAPTER SPONSORS

REGIONAL RESOURCES

CHAPTER DISCUSSION BOARD

PAST EVENTS AND RESOURCES

REGIONAL NEWS AND INSIGHTS

The future of global share ownership