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The GEO Annual Conference is a premier gathering of industry leaders, experts, and professionals from around the globe, dedicated to advancing the field of equity compensation. We are excited to invite a diverse and dynamic line up of speakers to explore the latest trends, innovative strategies, and future directions in equity compensation.

Monday, 20 Apr 2026

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

16.00 - 17.00

GLOBAL CHAPTER TEAMS CONNECT AND GROW HAPPY HOUR
GEO's global chapter coordinators only

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17.00 - 18.00

FELLOWS, FUTURE LEADERS AND ELEVATE HAPPY HOUR
GEO Fellows of Global Equity, geoElevate participants and Future Leaders only

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18.00 - 23.00

SERVICE PROVIDER SPONSORED EVENTS 
By invitation - non-GEO hosted offsite events

Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

3.00 - 8.00

Exhibitor set up

7.00 - 8.00

GEOfit CLUB - morning run/jog/walk
Everyone welcome!

Experience Austin’s iconic murals alongside your conference peers

8.00

Registration opens
 

8.00 - 9.00

CHAPTER DEVELOPEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Invitation only

8.30

ISSUER ATTENDEE ARRIVALS
Corporate issuer attendees only

9.00 - 10.30

ISSUER-ONLY CONNECT AND COLLABORATE - BREAKFAST MEETING
Corporate issuer attendees only

An exclusive chance for issuers to build global connections, exchange ideas, and participate in a dedicated issuer-only roundtable discussion over breakfast

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10.00

ALL NON-ISSUER ARRIVALS
Service provider and other non-issuer attendees arrive

10.45 - 12.00

OPENING ALL-ATTENDEE SESSION AND KEYNOTE

Forever Human – Sponsored by Bank of America

In this powerful keynote, Sylvie di Giusto explores why human behavior—not technology—is the true competitive advantage in the age of AI. As artificial intelligence becomes the baseline across industries, leaders must learn how to operationalize trust, emotional intelligence, and authentic connection to stand out, build loyalty, and lead confidently in a tech-driven world.

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12.00 - 13.30

ALL ATTENDEE LUNCH

Enjoy a networking lunch in the Exhibit Hall where you can reconnect with familiar faces and meet new attendees. As the first lunch of the conference, it’s the perfect way to start building connections that will last all week

13.30 - 14.30

BREAKOUT SESSION I
Panel presentations - CPE credits available

14.30 - 14.45

Transition

14.45 - 15.35

BREAKOUT SESSION II
Roundtable discussions - CPE credits available 

15.35 - 16.15

OPEN NETWORKING IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
GEO Puppy Party 
Stop by for wagging tails and warm welcomes! Join us for our GEO Puppy Party, featuring adoptable pups from the Austin Humane Society.

15.35 - 16.15

Issuer Council Meeting (by invitation)

16.30 - 17:00

First-timers' networking

17.00 - 22.00

OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Taste of Texas

Kick off the conference in style! Join us on opening night for a 'can’t-miss' evening of networking with a Texas twist!

Opening reception in the Exhibit Hall: 17.00 - 18.30
Transfers to venue: 18.30 - 19:00
Opening night party: 19.00 - 22.00
Return transfers to JW Marriott: 22.00 - Late

All attendees to wear conference badges. Guests to bring their event ticket
Guest tickets are available to purchase

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22.00 - 23.00

RETURN TRANSFERS TO THE JW MARRIOTT HOTEL

Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

7.00 -8.00

GEOfit CLUB - morning run/jog/walk
Everyone welcome!

Experience Austin’s iconic murals alongside your conference peers

7.30

Registration opens

8.00 - 9.00

ALL-ATTENDEE BREAKFAST 

Gather in the Exhibit Hall to start your day the right way!

8.00 - 9.00

GEO FELLOWS' BREAKFAST
GEO Fellows attendees only

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9.00 - 10.15

EXPERT PANEL: Strategic Shifts in Employee Share Plans: How Companies Are Redesigning Equity for 2026 and Beyond
Sponsored by Computershare

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10.15 - 10.45

Refreshment break

10.45 - 11.45

BREAKOUT SESSION III
Panel presentations - CPE credits available

11.45 - 12.00

Transition

12.00 - 12.50

BREAKOUT SESSION IV 
Roundtable discussions - CPE credits available

12.50 - 14.00

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK

Take a break, refuel, and connect with peers over lunch in the Exhibit Hall. It’s the perfect opportunity to network, recharge, and explore our exhibitors all in one place

14.00 - 15.00

BREAKOUT SESSION V
Panel presentations - CPE credits available

15.00 - 16.00

THE BIG AUSTIN SOCIAL

A lively event in the Exhibit Hall featuring structured networking activities designed to help you meet fellow attendees and make connections, Austin-style!

Carine Schneider, FGE, of Compass Strategic Advisors will be signing copies of her new book, (in)Vested, in the JW Grand Ballroom Foyer throughout this session.

16.00 - 17.00

BREAKOUT SESSION VI
Panel presentations - CPE credits available

17.00 - 19.00

FREE TIME

18.30 - 19.30

FUTURE LEADERS OF GLOBAL EQUITY WRAP PARTY

Class of 2024 and program sponsors only

19.00 - Late

THE 25TH GEO AWARDS CEREMONY

Drinks reception: 19.00 - 20.00
Celebration gala and dinner: 20.00 - 22.00
After party: 22.00 - Late

A seat is included in the conference ticket - a limited number of guest tickets, individual tickets and tables of ten are available to purchase

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Thursday, 23 Apr 2026

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE (subject to change)

7.00 - 8.00

GEOfit CLUB - morning run/jog/walk
Everyone welcome!

Experience Austin’s iconic murals alongside your conference peers

8.00

Registration opens

8.30 - 9.30

ALL-ATTENDEE BREAKFAST 

Gather in the Exhibit Hall for a hearty Texan breakfast

9.30 - 10.20

BREAKOUT SESSION VII
Panel presentations - CPE credits available

10.20 - 10.35

Transition

10.35 - 11.25

BREAKOUT SESSION VIII
Panel presentations - CPE credits available

11.25 - 12.15

LUNCH AND NETWORKING BREAK

Join all attendees in the Exhibit Hall for a lively lunch designed to spark conversations, build connections, and keep your conference energy going strong

12.15 - 12.55

BREAKOUT SESSION IX
Focus sessions - CEP credit available - No CPE credit

12.55 - 13.05

Transition

13.05 - 13.45

BREAKOUT SESSION X
Focus sessions - CEP credit available - No CPE credit

13.45 - 14.00

Transition

14.00 - 15.30

ALL-ATTENDEE SESSION AND KEYNOTE
Our final keynote session is followed by gamification prize giving and closing remarks

LEAD LIKE A ROCK STAR: ELEVATE YOUR TEAM TO LEGENDARY SUCCESS - Sponsored by UBS Workplace Wealth Solutions

In this high-energy keynote, Marvelless Mark Kamp reveals how the most memorable leaders think and perform like legendary rock stars—energizing their teams, aligning them around a shared vision, and creating momentum that drives extraordinary results.

Blending lessons from the music industry with real-world leadership strategies, Mark shows how great leaders inspire, communicate with impact, and build teams where every member plays their part in achieving success.

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14.00 - 17.00

Exhibitor breakdown

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Data and business intelligence
Design and strategy
5.4 Employee Ownership in Focus: Insights from Rutgers

Bill Castellano, Rutgers University (US)
Dr. Joseph Blasi, Rutgers University (US)

Global
USA
BREAKOUT V

Discover the latest insights on employee ownership and equity compensation in this session led by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, the global leader in equity research. Drawing on the largest studies ever conducted in the U.S., this session explores how equity is distributed, who participates in these programs, and the impact of employee ownership on both organizational and employee outcomes.
 

Attendees will gain a data-driven perspective on trends in equity participation and the strategic value of employee ownership, along with practical implications for designing and enhancing equity programs.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand how equity is distributed across organizations and which employees are participating in equity programs.
  • Explore the strategic, financial, and cultural effects of employee ownership on workforce engagement and company performance.
  • Gain actionable takeaways for structuring and enhancing equity programs based on rigorous research findings.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 4
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Design and strategy
Employee engagement
5.5 Future Leaders of Global Equity: Turning Research into a Strategic Case

Joseph Fish, Infinite Equity (US)
Vanda Kiss, Nokia (NL)
Alisha Hom, Applied Intuition (US)
Elliot Alexander, Computershare (UK)
Amy Henry, The Coca-Cola Company (IE)

Global
BREAKOUT V

Join the inaugural class of the Future Leaders of Global Equity as they explore the real business case for equity compensation. Drawing on fresh survey data, broader industry research, and insights from the thought leadership paper Making the Business Case for Equity-Based Compensation: A Practical Framework for Driving Equity Adoption, this forward-looking session goes beyond fundamentals to deliver a structured, outcome-driven approach to equity strategy.

Designed for practitioners ready to elevate their impact, this session provides a practical framework for aligning equity programs directly with organizational strategy, talent philosophy, and measurable business outcomes. From accelerating high-impact performance and supporting global expansion to strengthening retention and fostering an ownership-driven culture, you’ll learn how to clearly articulate and defend your equity strategy in today’s complex environment.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Build a clear, evidence-backed business case for equity using financial, talent, and cultural performance data.
  • Align discretionary and broad-based equity programs with broader corporate strategy and measurable outcomes.
  • Navigate global complexity and participant education challenges to maximize adoption and ROI.
LOCATION:
JW Grand Salon 5
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Communications
Design and strategy
Operational effectiveness
5.6 Fresh Perspectives in Equity Compensation: A Roundtable on Innovation and Impact

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

Global
BREAKOUT V

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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Design and strategy
Operational effectiveness
5.7 In Charge at Last: What Leaders Would Change If They Could

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

Global
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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Employee engagement
Operational effectiveness
Trending now
6.1 The Equity Games: The Global Stock Plan Showdown

Rob Miceli, Bank of America (US)
Dave Lanka, Bank of America (US)
Tara Hagen, FGE, Aon (US)
Carrie Kovac, Elastic (US)
Nicole Hickle, Amgen (US)

Global
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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Data and business intelligence
Private and pre-IPO companies
6.2 Navigating Executive Trading: Insights on Readiness, SEC Compliance and Market Trends

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

Global
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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Finance
Level:
I
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Design and strategy
Executive pay
6.3 Modern LTI Strategies: Designing for Impact, Growth and Retention

Lenka Haase, Fidelity (US)
Jeremy Boraks, Fidelity (US)
Ajit Jacobs, Aon (US)
Dennis Paalman, Arcadis (NL)

Global
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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
O
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Finance, tax and accounting
Operational effectiveness
6.4 Equity at the Margins: Navigating Tax Challenges in Lower-Income Countries

Brian King, Charles Schwab (US)
Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA (US)
Tom Parker, Tapestry (UK)

Global
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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Tax
Level:
I
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Employee engagement
Operational effectiveness
Trending now
6.5 Mastering Equity Plan Reporting: From Data Integrity to Audit Readiness

Michael Mauro, insightsoftware (US)
Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity (US)
Trevin Rard, Remitly (US)

Global
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
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Accounting
Level:
I