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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, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
5.6 The Architecture of Equity: How to Build an ESPP That Lasts

Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity
Lihi Levy, NICE
Amy Henry, The Coca-Cola Company

BREAKOUT V

A well-designed ESPP is more than a benefit—it’s a powerful tool for fostering ownership, engagement, and alignment across your organization. But creating a lasting program requires a strong foundation.
In this session, participants will explore the essential elements of sustainable ESPP design, from aligning with corporate objectives and managing financial trade-offs to navigating compliance and global complexities. Attendees will gain a practical framework for evaluating plan features, modeling participation, and future-proofing their ESPP to meet evolving workforce and market needs. 

Whether you’re refreshing an existing plan or launching a new one, this session provides actionable tools and strategic insights to build an ESPP that endures.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how to align your ESPP with corporate goals, financial strategy, and workforce objectives for long-term impact.
  • Gain insights into managing regulatory, tax, and operational challenges across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Discover strategies for modeling participation, evaluating plan features, and adapting your ESPP to evolving workforce and market needs.
LOCATION:
401
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
5.7 In Charge at Last: What Leaders Would Change If They Could

Carine Schneider, FGE, Compass Strategic Advisors
Brian McDonald, Grantd
Billy Vitense, Starbucks
Suzie Bentley, NVIDIA

BREAKOUT V

What would global equity programs look like if seasoned stock plan professionals were truly “in charge”? This interactive panel brings together highly experienced practitioners to explore the changes they would make—and the decisions they would rethink. 
Drawing on more than 100 years of combined experience, panelists will share candid perspectives on what works, what doesn’t, and what they would redesign if given the opportunity. Attendees can expect an honest, thought-provoking conversation grounded in lived experience and informed by today’s evolving global landscape.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insight into how experienced professionals would approach decisions differently if starting with a clean slate.
  • Understand where real-world challenges arise between policy, regulation, and day-to-day administration—and how seasoned leaders would address them.
  • Take away practical advice, common pitfalls to avoid, and forward-looking recommendations informed by over a century of collective expertise.
     
LOCATION:
402
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 15:00 - 15:50
Executive pay
MODERNIZED APPROACHES TO PAYROLL RECONCILIATIONS AND BEYOND

SPEAKERS: Matthew McKittrick, Moss Adams (US), Tierney Dowling, DoorDash, Merianne White, Avalara

Global
DoorDash, Avalara, Moss Adams
BREAKOUT VI

Join industry leaders from DoorDash, Avalara, and Moss Adams as they explore the transformative power of automation in driving operational excellence, starting with payroll reconciliations. In this engaging panel discussion, our expert panelists will share their diverse approaches to reconciliations, accompanied by real-world anecdotes highlighting the challenges they encountered and the successes they achieved along their journey.

Attendees will learn:

  • Automation: Streamline reconciliations and beyond with automation. Learn about the impact and efficiency gained from automated tools.
  • Scaling Automation: Expand automation efforts for sustained operational excellence across functions.
  • Lessons Learned: Gain practical strategies from panelists' experiences to maximize the benefits of automation.
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 15:00 - 15:50
Employee engagement
THE GREAT… REFRESH?

SPEAKERS: Janet Cooper, OBE, FGEYvonne Smyth, Hays, Rosemary Lemon, Hays

Global
BREAKOUT VI

Over the past two years, we've experienced the Great Resignation and the Great Reset due to COVID-19. Now, companies are focused on the challenges and opportunities of AI, hybrid working, and skills shortages.

This session considers whether UK-based and global companies are looking for alternative sources of labor as they plan for the future.

Attendees will learn:

  • The impact of inflation and cost of living crisis on global equity plans
  • What the best employers are doing to attract, retain, incentivize and reward talent
  • What the future of work looks like including the impact of AI on the labour market and employer proposition to employees
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 16:35 - 17:35
Trending now
LEADERS’ LOUNGE: ESG INTEGRATION AND PROXY ADVISOR INFLUENCE ON EQUITY PROGRAMS

MODERATOR: Matt Connor, FGE
Paul Arens, MSc, FGE
Dr. Adie Leung, FGE
Sandra Sussman, FGE
Prof. Dr. Christian Berg, Corporate Sustainability Expert

 

Global
BREAKOUT VI

This session extends the insights from Dr. Christian Berg's sustainability keynote, exploring the evolving global trends affecting society, climate, regional economies, and humanity's future.

A distinguished panel of GEO Fellows will dissect the interplay between ESG targets, proxy advisors, and investor influence on equity programs. Our industry experts will also address the emergence of the 'anti-ESG' movement in North America, challenging conventional corporate sustainability. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the dynamic ESG landscape, proxy advisor impact, and aligning equity programs with ESG goals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Advisor and investor influence: Grasp the powerful influence of proxy advisors and investors on shaping equity programs and their direct implications for ESG integration.
  • Anti-ESG challenges: Examine the 'anti-ESG' movement's emergence and consequences in North America, and its impact on conventional ESG approaches and future business strategies.
  • Impactful metrics: Identify and prioritize measurable performance metrics that are both vital for sustainability and directly affect an organization's environmental and social footprint.


 

Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Legal and regulatory
6.1 A global roadtrip in just 50 minutes!

Matthew Hunter, Tapestry Compliance
Tom Parker, Tapestry Compliance
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors
Chris Hall, Global Tax Networks
 

Global
BREAKOUT VI

Embark on a global road trip with our expert panel as they pitch essential legal, tax, and regulatory changes worldwide, covering topics like the new Irish tax withholding changes impacting stock options and the lessons to learn from a recent legal case in Denmark concerning share plan leaver provisions.

The panel will explore market developments on complex issues like the South Korean foreign exchange requirements and will show you how (and why!) to stay informed of changes happening around the world!

With diverse experience from issuer and advisory backgrounds, this panel unveils the full compliance picture. Also hear first-hand how Lucid Motors navigates the ever-changing flux of global compliance requirements.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Discover essential global legal, tax, and regulatory changes
  • Analyze market developments on complex topics
  • Explore emerging trends impacting global share plan operation

 

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 4
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Operational effectiveness
6.2 It's a MAD MAD world

Evans Longacre, Fidelity 
Dominic Andwan, Thermo Fisher
Courtney Brown, Dell
Dave Peterson, Hologic

Choice plans
Performance shares
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT VI

The expert panel will share insights on navigating the complexities of Mergers, Acquisitions, and Divestitures (MAD) in the realm of rewards and equity. While these events bring excitement, they often induce upheaval. Join the discussion to discover how three GEO organizations successfully managed key mergers and divestitures. Gain valuable perspectives on employee and award transitions, leveraging share programs for added value, and ensuring a top-quality participant experience throughout these transformative events.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand how organizations effectively transitioned employees and awards during key mergers and divestitures
  • Explore how share programs were utilized to deliver additional value during transformative events
  • Learn strategies employed by award-winning organizations to maintain a high-quality participant experience throughout M&A and divestiture processes

 

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:
Midtown 1
Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
6.3 The future of work beyond the Great Reset

Janet Cooper OBE, FGE, Nutures Landscape Group
Roger Fairhead, BAE Systems
David Edwards, Natwest
Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP
Marc Muntermann, Siemens Energy

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT VI

Join our expert panel as they explore the aftermath of the Great Resignation and the ongoing challenges businesses face in recruiting and retaining talent globally amid the complexities of inflation. In this session, they will cover the broader conversation on the future of work, understanding the intricate balance between recruitment, retention, and the evolving dynamics of employee expectations. Explore financial wellbeing, mental health initiatives, and the nuanced role of employee shares within the context of fluctuating stock market conditions. Don't miss this comprehensive discussion on strategizing for the future workplace.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Uncover current trends shaping labor markets and evolving people strategies
  • Explore the impact of inflation on salaries and how companies are addressing this challenge
  • Examine the role of benefits, especially in sectors facing cost of living challenges

 

CPE CREDIT: 1.0
Field of study: Personell/HR
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, 15:25 - 16:15
Design and strategy
6.4 Optimizing global equity plans for talent retention and an employee-centric workforce

Zackary Crumpton, Computershare
Aimee Soodan, Baker McKenzie
Rachel Ulep, eBay
Fiona Doran, Computershare

Cash deferral
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 VI

A comprehensive exploration led by an expert panel, dissecting the complexities of equity compensation programs across diverse regions. Delve into the influential factors guiding the offering of tax-qualified plans in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Hear firsthand from two issuing companies as they uncover the regulatory and tax considerations specific to each jurisdiction and share their decision-making processes and strategies for communicating equity compensation programs across countries. Assess the current participation scenario and gain valuable perspectives as the panel discuss future changes they are contemplating.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore the factors shaping tax-qualified plan offerings in diverse geographical areas
  • Uncover the unique intricacies of regulatory and tax considerations in each jurisdiction
  • Gain insights into clients' decision-making processes and explore anticipated future changes in equity compensation programs

 

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