AGENDA AT A GLANCE

Session timings are subject to change.

Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026, 09:45 - 18:00

GEO's 16th Annual NorCal Forum 9.45 AM - 6.00 PM

9.45

Registration opens - ISSUERS ONLY
Coffee and pastries

10.00 - 10.45

ISSUER ONLY ROUNDTABLES

11.00 - 12.00

Registration continues - PROVIDER/NON-ISSUER ARRIVALS

LUNCH AND NETWORKING
Lunch sponsored by Charles Schwab 

12.00 - 13.00

WELCOME AND OPENING SESSION

13.00 - 13.10

Transition

13.10 - 14.00

BREAKOUT SESSION I

14.00 - 14.30

Afternoon break
Coffee cart sponsored by Aon

14.30 - 15.20

BREAKOUT SESSION II

15.20 - 15.30

Transition

15.30 - 16.30

CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Sponsored by Bank of America

16.30 - 17.00

WRAP-UP AND RAFFLE

17.00 - 18.00

HAPPY HOUR NETWORKING
Happy hour food sponsored by UBS
Drinks sponsored by Infinite Equity

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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Session timings are subject to change.

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Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026, 12:00 - 13:00
Trending now
Opening Session: AI and the Future of Global Equity Administration

Jesus, Renteria, Baker Tilly
Alisha Hom, Applied Intuition
Sam George, Lyft
 

BREAKOUT I

Artificial intelligence is transforming the administration of global equity compensation programs by improving efficiency, supporting participant communications, and streamlining complex workflows. This session examines practical AI applications alongside the governance frameworks, controls, and oversight required to support responsible implementation in a global environment.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify practical applications of AI across global equity administration, participant communications, reporting, and compliance.
  • Evaluate governance practices that support secure, accurate, and responsible use of AI within equity programs.
  • Assess internal control measures that preserve data integrity, auditability, and appropriate human oversight.
Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026, 13:10 - 14:00
Design and strategy
1.1 Enhancing Every ESPP and Beyond

Carrie Kovac, Elastic
Sonia Guillory, Gitlab
Ali Murata, Cooley
Elizabeth Dodge, Equity Methods

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
BREAKOUT I

Even well-established Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) have opportunities for improvement, and many of the same enhancements can strengthen broader equity compensation programs. This session explores practical process, system, communication, timing, and control improvements that reduce risk, improve efficiency, and enhance the participant experience across ESPPs, RSUs, stock options, and other equity awards.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify process and control improvements that strengthen ESPP and broader equity administration.
  • Evaluate communication, timing, and system enhancements that improve operational efficiency and participant experience.
  • Assess strategies for gaining stakeholder support when implementing equity program improvements
Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026, 13:10 - 14:00
1.2 Avoiding the Top Global Tax Pitfalls in Equity Compensation

Tara Hagen, FGE, Aon
Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA
Susanna Zhang, The Gap
Vikram Virk, Expedia

BREAKOUT I

Managing global equity compensation requires careful coordination across tax, payroll, mobility, and compliance functions. Using practical case studies, this session explores seven common tax pitfalls affecting multinational equity programs and provides actionable strategies for reducing risk, improving processes, and strengthening compliance across jurisdictions.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify common tax risks associated with global equity compensation programs.
  • Evaluate administrative practices that improve payroll integration, tax withholding, and cross-border compliance.
  • Assess practical strategies for reducing tax risk across multiple jurisdictions.
Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026, 14:30 - 15:20
Case Study
2.1 Keeping Mobile Employees and Equity Programs on Track

Marlene Zobayan, FGE, Rutlen Associates LLC
Lori Serrano, FGE, Service Titan
Veena Bhatia, FGE, Atlassian

Cash deferral
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
BREAKOUT II

As employee mobility continues to increase, organizations face growing tax, regulatory, and administrative challenges that can reduce the effectiveness of equity compensation. This session explores common mobility-related pitfalls and examines practical policy, planning, and governance strategies that help organizations deliver compliant, competitive, and effective equity programs for a globally mobile workforce.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify tax, regulatory, and administrative risks associated with internationally mobile equity participants.
  • Evaluate policy and planning approaches that support compliant global mobility programs.
  • Assess strategies for maintaining the value and effectiveness of equity incentives while reducing cross-border risk.
Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026, 14:30 - 15:20
Design and strategy
2.2 Equity in Motion During Organizational Change

Jorge Martin, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions
Issuer TBC

BREAKOUT II

Organizational change can place significant pressure on equity programs, from restructurings and global expansion to acquisitions, carve-outs, and rapid growth. This session explores how organizations maintain data integrity, governance, and participant confidence while adapting equity administration processes during periods of structural change.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify operational and governance risks that arise during organizational restructuring and business transformation.
  • Evaluate administration practices that maintain accurate equity records and participant communications throughout periods of change.
  • Assess governance frameworks that support business continuity while managing evolving organizational structures
    .