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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, 12 Nov 2025, 16:35 - 17:20
6.4 Reward Reimagined: Connecting Equity to Total Compensation Strategy Leaders Lounge – Panel with GEO Fellows and Board Members

Gemma Ludwig, Vialto Partners
Yael  Elbaz Roiter, FGE, Infinite Equity
Mitan Patel, FGE, Fidelity
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors
 

BREAKOUT VI

Join an inspiring conversation with leading voices from GEO’s Fellows and Board as they reimagine the role of equity in today’s evolving total rewards landscape. This thought-provoking session will explore how organizations can align equity with performance, well-being, and retention goals, while strengthening their overall compensation strategy.
 
Discover how global companies are integrating equity into total rewards programs, using data-driven insights—such as findings from the GEO Global Equity Insights Survey (GEIS)—to make a compelling business case for equity as a cornerstone of value and engagement. The discussion will also highlight innovative ways to communicate the true value of equity to employees and stakeholders across markets.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore how to align equity with performance, well-being, and retention objectives within a total rewards framework.
  • Identify emerging trends in integrating equity into global total compensation strategies.
  • Learn how to leverage data and insights (including GEIS findings) to communicate the total value of equity effectively.
LOCATION:
Mintster Forum
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025, 16:25 - 17:15
6.1 The Equity Games: Battle of the Global Stock Plans

Rob Miceli, Bank of America
David Lanka, Bank of America
Susan Ford, Cytel
Tara Hagen, FGE, Aon
Shantale Greenson, Alkermes

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT VI

Get ready for a fresh, interactive take on the ever-evolving world of global stock plan administration. This high-energy session blends valuable learning with fast-paced fun and a little friendly competition. Participants will explore the latest updates and trends in global equity while testing their knowledge through a lively trivia challenge with fellow equity professionals. Along the way, you’ll tackle real-world scenarios, gain insights on topics ranging from global mobility strategies and ESPPs to 10b5-1 planning, Section 16 & Rule 144 filings, tax withholding, payroll optimization, 409A valuations, and financial reporting best practices. Expect practical learning, peer connection, and maybe even a prize—plus bragging rights for the trivia champs.
 

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Stay current on emerging trends, regulatory changes, and best practices in global equity.
  • Strengthen technical knowledge across compliance, administration, and reporting.
  • Apply learning in real-time through an interactive, game-based trivia format.
LOCATION:
Park A/B
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025, 16:25 - 17:15
6.2 Supporting Executives: Bridging Stock Plans and Private Wealth

Michael McKenzie, UBS
Oscar Contreras, Lucid Motors

Executive plans
Restricted shares
Global
BREAKOUT VI

Executives face complex challenges in managing equity compensation, including navigating 10b5-1 plans, Rule 144, blackout windows, and liquidity planning. This session explores how plan administrators can leverage frameworks and best practices used by private wealth advisors to support executives holistically. Lucid Motors will share real-life experiences, highlighting practical applications of these strategies in a corporate setting. Participants will gain insights on aligning administrative operations with executive needs, optimizing equity as part of overall wealth, and supporting transitions, succession planning, and legacy considerations.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understanding 10b5-1 plans, Rule 144, and blackout windows, and how to support executives effectively.
  • Leveraging private wealth management tools to align equity administration with executive goals.
  • Strategies for managing executive equity from grant through succession, including liquidity and legacy planning.
LOCATION:
Park C
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
6.1 The Equity Games: The Global Stock Plan Showdown

Rob Miceli, Bank of America
Dave Lanka, Bank of America
Tara Hagen, FGE, Aon
Carrie Kovac, Elastic

BREAKOUT VI

Global stock plan administration is evolving quickly—and staying current requires both technical depth and practical judgment. This interactive session delivers a fresh, high-energy approach to learning, combining real-world scenarios with a fast-paced trivia format that challenges participants to apply their knowledge in the moment.Attendees will test their understanding across a wide range of global equity topics, including mobility and cross-border planning, ESPP design insights, 10b5-1 plans, Section 16 and Rule 144 reporting, tax withholding and payroll coordination, 409A valuations, and financial reporting considerations. Designed to spark discussion and peer learning, this session sharpens expertise while reinforcing best practices in a memorable, engaging way.
 

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Gain up-to-date insight into global equity trends, regulatory developments, and emerging best practices.
  • Deepen understanding of complex compliance, reporting, and administration topics through practical scenarios.
  • Reinforce learning in real time by making decisions under pressure in a competitive, game-based format.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 1
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
6.2 Navigating Executive Trading: Insights on Readiness, SEC Compliance and Market Trends

Josh Shek, Morgan Stanley at Work
Mike Andresino, ArentFox Schiff LLP
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors
Erika Rivera, Morgan Stanley at Work

BREAKOUT VI

Whether your company is preparing for an IPO, recently went public, or has been public for some time, managing liquidity solutions and executive stock positions is critical. This session provides actionable guidance on navigating liquidity events across all stages of a company’s public journey.

Attendees will gain insights from the latest Morgan Stanley 10b5-1 Survey Report, market trends, and recent SEC rule changes. The session will cover practical strategies such as Rule 144 trades, 10b5-1 plans, and managing RSU releases, while addressing both capital considerations and potential market impacts. Participants will also learn how pending SEC changes, including possible semi-annual reporting, may influence executive liquidity planning.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand strategies to manage executive stock positions effectively, from IPO to mature public company stages.
  • Learn how Rule 144 trades, 10b5-1 plans, and RSU release management can support liquidity while staying compliant with SEC rules.
  • Gain insights into current market dynamics, recent SEC updates, and pending rules that impact executive stock planning.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 2
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
6.3 Modern LTI Strategies: Designing for Impact, Growth and Retention

Lenka Haase, Fidelity
Jeremy Boraks, Fidelity
Ajit Jacobs, Aon
 

BREAKOUT VI

Equity compensation is one of the most powerful tools for attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent—but not all LTI plans are created equal. In this session, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of LTI design, highlighting innovative strategies that go beyond the basics.

From multi-day pricing models and accelerated vesting schedules to creative retirement eligibility provisions, participants will examine emerging trends and forward-thinking plan features that leading companies are using to stay competitive. Whether you’re building a new program or refining an existing one, you’ll walk away with practical insights, best practices, and creative solutions to make your LTI plan more effective, engaging, and aligned with your workforce goals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Discover the latest approaches in LTI plans, including multi-day pricing, accelerated vesting, and retirement eligibility innovations.
  • Learn strategies to make LTIs more motivating and aligned with employee priorities, improving participation and retention.
  • Gain actionable tips for designing, launching, or refining LTI programs to maximize strategic impact and workforce alignment.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 3
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
6.4 Equity at the Margins: Navigating Tax Challenges in Lower-Income Countries

Brian King, Charles Schwab
Suzie Bentley, NVIDIA
Tom Parker, Tapestry 

BREAKOUT VI

Rolling out equity compensation in new countries—especially those with higher tax rates—comes with unique compliance and operational challenges. From withholding obligations to payroll complexities and cultural expectations, administering equity globally requires careful planning and local insight.
 

Join our panel of global equity experts as they unpack practical strategies for navigating these challenges. Through real-world examples from companies like Nvidia, you’ll learn how to balance compliance, employee experience, and organizational goals while delivering equity programs that resonate locally.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand employer obligations, cross-border reporting, and managing high tax rates to protect both your organization and employees.
  • Strategies for handling year-to-date wages and income data across multiple payroll systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Learn how to structure awards and communicate effectively to maintain fairness and engagement, even in regions with low income thresholds or high tax rates.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 4
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
6.5 Mastering Equity Plan Reporting: From Data Integrity to Audit Readiness

Michael Mauro, insightsoftware
Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity
Trevin Rard, Remitly

BREAKOUT VI

Equity plan reporting can be a minefield of data discrepancies, compliance risks, and audit challenges. This session provides practical guidance for maintaining clean, accurate data and preparing for audits with confidence. 

Participants will explore strategies for reconciling information across systems, managing reporting schedules, and addressing common pitfalls. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and best practices to ensure equity plan reporting is efficient, reliable, and audit-ready.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn strategies for reconciling information across multiple systems and preventing discrepancies.
  • Gain insights into preparing for audits, managing reporting schedules, and addressing common pitfalls in equity reporting.
  • Explore actionable approaches and best practices to streamline equity plan reporting while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
LOCATION:
402
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
6.6 Fresh Perspectives in Equity Compensation: A Roundtable on Innovation and Impact

Robyn Shutak, FGE, Infinite Equity
Jennifer Shepherd Cashio, Flex International
Rebecca Kargl, FGE, Upstart
Tierney Dowling, Reddit
Vicky Phrydas, FGE, UBS

BREAKOUT VI

The world of equity compensation is evolving rapidly—and some of the most meaningful innovation comes not from new tools or plan designs, but from shared experience and open dialogue. This interactive roundtable brings together industry peers to exchange ideas, compare approaches, and discuss what’s next for equity compensation.

Through candid conversation, participants will explore emerging trends in plan design, communication, and administration, while tackling the real-world challenges stock plan professionals face today. From simplifying complexity to increasing employee engagement, this session is designed to surface practical solutions and fresh perspectives drawn directly from those in the trenches.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Gain insight into the latest developments in equity plan design, communication, and administration.
  • Learn strategies to address operational, compliance, and engagement challenges faced by stock plan professionals.
  • Exchange real-world experiences and creative approaches with fellow equity compensation practitioners to inspire new solutions.
LOCATION:
401