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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, 10 Dec 2025, 13:20 - 14:10
3.1 OBBB, ARPA, TCJA: Navigating the Impact of Global Equity Programs on IRC Section 162(m) Deductions

Sharmon Priaulx, PwC 
Nathan Swartz, PwC

All plan types
USA
BREAKOUT III

Recent changes in US corporate tax law have created important implications for public companies, particularly around the deduction of executive compensation under IRC Section 162(m). This targeted session will explore how global equity programs can influence who qualifies as a “covered employee” and which elements of compensation must be considered, starting from 2016 and 2017. Attendees will gain practical insights into navigating these changes to ensure compliance while optimizing their equity plans.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • How recent US tax law changes affect corporate deductions and covered employee designations.
  • The role of global equity programs in determining which compensation is subject to IRC Section 162(m).
  • Practical steps for aligning equity plan strategy with tax compliance and corporate objectives.
LOCATION:
Park A/B
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Tax
Level:
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025, 13:20 - 14:10
3.2 From Concept to Practice: How Double-Trigger Awards Are Evolving

Elena Thomas, Empower
Sinead Kelly, Baker McKenzie

Global
BREAKOUT III

Since the early days of big tech, double-trigger equity awards have become a standard tool for private issuers preparing for liquidity events. Over time, companies have adapted these awards with more sophisticated vesting schedules and termination treatments to meet unique plan needs. This session will use issuer case studies to explore the rationale behind double-trigger awards, current design trends, and key considerations for administration, legal compliance, and termination processes. Participants will gain practical insights into managing post-termination “tails,” mitigating Section 409A risks, and designing awards that balance flexibility with compliance.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Understanding the purpose and rationale behind double-trigger equity awards.
  • Design considerations including vesting schedules, termination treatments, and post-termination participant “tails.”
  • Legal and administrative implications, including Section 409A risks and best practices for compliance.
LOCATION:
Park C
CPA CREDIT:
Field of Study:
Specialized Knowledge
Level:
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 13:00 - 13:50
Design and strategy
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO EQUITY: NURTURING THE EMPLOYEE JOURNEY

SPEAKERS: June Davenport, Morgan Stanley at Work, Ceri Newby, Diageo, Chrissie Davis, Eximia, Julia Clement, Skyscanner, Phoebe Stamford-Moroz, Tate and Lyle

Global
BREAKOUT IV

Equity is a critical component of the employee journey and experience. However, ensuring its relevance with your workforce and driving desired outcomes requires a thoughtful approach. The expert panel will delve into the evolving expectations of employees, understanding how equity fits seamlessly within the broader reward and compensation package. Explore the goals and impacts of various equity programs and gain insights into the crucial role of communication, engagement, and education throughout the employee journey. Join the session to uncover strategies that align equity practices effectively and optimize their impact on employee satisfaction and organizational success.

Attendees will learn:

  • How to integrate equity holistically within the overall reward and compensation package and in line with employee expectations in relation to equity
  • The Goals, impacts, and considerations for different types of equity programs
  • The importance of communication, engagement, and education in the employee journey.
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 13:00 - 13:50
Trending now
GEIS 2023: EXPLORING TRENDING THEMES IN DEPTH

SPEAKERS: Andrew Thain, hkp/// group, David Voggeser, hkp/// group, Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP, Sheila Frierson, Computershare, AmyLynn Flood, Vialto Partners, Mitan Patel, FGE, Fidelity

Global
BREAKOUT IV

This illuminating session will shine a spotlight and explore the role of equity in the GEIS 2023 survey’s key emerging topics: Equity in Talent, Investor Relations, and Global Mobility.

The expert panel will dive deep into these special focus areas, gaining valuable insights and practical strategies to explore how equity can be a powerful tool in shaping successful organizations in an increasingly competitive and globalized world.

Attendees will learn:

  • Talent and Markets: Explore talent war and market volatility's impact on equity compensation for attracting and retaining top talent
  • Investor Relations: Discover the role of equity compensation in transparent communication and enhancing company performance
  • Equity and Global Mobility: Navigate complexities in cross-border talent attraction through equity compensation
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Design and strategy
4.1 EMPOWERING EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP: SUEZ'S AWARD-WINNING ESPP SHARE PLAN

Jerome Laurre, BeyondSolutions
Nadine Thouin, Suez

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Suez, the recipient of the 2023 GEO AWARD for Best Use of Employee Share Plans in a Corporate Action, invites you to explore their remarkable journey. This presentation will walk you through their commitment to significantly increase employee ownership, the global implementation of a French-type ESPP with innovative leverage formulas, and the resounding success of this initiative.

Join this inspiring session that unveils the power of employee ownership and shares valuable lessons from Suez's award-winning plan.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Strategic implementation: Learn how Suez executed its most significant employee share ownership plan, achieving record-high participation rates within the organization.
  • Navigating challenges: Explore the complexities and challenges that Suez encountered while implementing their employee share plans, gaining insights into overcoming obstacles.
  • Adapting best practices: Discuss opportunities to incorporate similar features into your own share ownership plans, leveraging the success and strategies employed by Suez.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

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

Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Operational effectiveness
4.2 ELEVATE YOUR GLOBAL EQUITY PROGRAM: NUGGETS OF WISDOM FROM EXPERTS

June Davenport, FGE, Morgan Stanley at Work
Tara Hagen, FGE, Global Tax Network
Eaton Williamson, Seagate

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Restricted shares
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Looking for nuggets of wisdom to help improve the performance of your global equity program? This illuminating session explores the profound influence of advice on personal and professional growth.

Featuring a diverse panel of accomplished individuals who have both offered and received life-changing guidance, our experts recount the pivotal moments when they received or provided advice that led to transformative outcomes.

You will leave with a treasure trove of insights and actionable takeaways that aid a deeper understanding of the power of guidance and the lasting impact it can have on your journey to success.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Transformative guidance: Discover the most impactful advice shared by our panelists and how it has shaped their careers and personal development.
  • Decision-making insights: Learn how pivotal advice moments have influenced critical decisions, providing you with valuable perspectives for your own journey.
  • Actionable takeaways: Whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding talent, gain actionable insights to enhance your path to success. Explore the enduring power of guidance and its potential to shape your trajectory.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

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

Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 12:10 - 13:10
Legal and regulatory
Private and pre-IPO companies
4.3 PROMOTION OF THE STARTUP ECOSYSTEM TO PUBLIC EQUITY TRANSITIONS

Christian Hyldig, Aon plc
Jaime Pavía, Cuatrecasas
Katalin Kiss, Delivery Hero

Cash deferral
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock options
Germany
Spain
BREAKOUT IV

Join us for a dynamic session that sheds light on the thriving startup landscapes in both Germany and Spain. Berlin consistently ranks among the top three startup cities in Europe, while Madrid and Barcelona secure coveted spots in the top 10. In this enlightening presentation, we will explore how both countries have recently upgraded their regulatory frameworks to support the creation and growth of startups.

The expert panel will provide invaluable insights into implementing your equity strategy across the transition in both countries. Discover how the Spanish Act to Promote the Startup Ecosystem, enacted in 2023, has revolutionized the regulatory landscape to support startups, and compare it to the German startup ecosystem.

This session is a unique opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of startup-friendly policies in Germany and Spain and equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in two of Europe's most dynamic startup ecosystems.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Startup ecosystem comparison: Gain a deep understanding of the startup ecosystems in Germany and Spain, and learn why Berlin is a top contender. Explore the factors that contribute to the success of these cities.
  • Navigating equity vehicles: Understand the intricate landscape of equity vehicles, spanning both private and public markets, and gain insights into their significance for startups in both countries.
  • Evolution of equity guidelines: Explore the evolving equity guideline framework, tracing its journey from the private sector to the public domain in both Germany and Spain, and grasp its implications for your startup's growth trajectory.
  • Global equity roll-out: Dive into market data and practical perspectives on executing a global equity strategy, ensuring you're well-prepared for international expansion, with a specific focus on Germany and Spain.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Levels: O
Delivery method: Group live
Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit: 1.0 credits

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

Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:45
Operational effectiveness
4.1 Designing an optimized grant process

Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley at Work
Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies
Steve Campbell, PayPal
Felipe Oshiro Galianone, AbbVie

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Join our panel in an enlightening session on optimizing your new grant process. They will guide you through best practices, helping you navigate potential pitfalls in both upstream and downstream issues. Learn tips and tricks for constructing a robust grant reconciliation process, applicable to various equity management systems. Gain insights into how recent industry trends are transforming traditional approaches to stock allocation. Attend this session for a deep dive into cutting-edge techniques that will reshape your grant process for improved effectiveness.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Streamline your new grant process through automation for enhanced efficiency and accuracy
  • Address cross-border considerations and compliance for effective global grant management
  • Explore effective project management approaches to ensure the smooth execution of global grants

 

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, 12:45 - 13:45
Design and strategy
4.2 When cash is king: leveraging cash awards in a global equity program

Lindsay Green, WTW
Lindsay Minnis, Baker McKenzie
Shaun Bisman, Compensation Advisory Partners
Maya Wright, Iron Mountain

Cash deferral
Global
BREAKOUT IV

Join a distinguished panel of experts for an illuminating session on navigating the nuanced choice between cash and equity awards in global equity compensation programs. Delve into the intricacies that drive companies to opt for cash awards over equity and vice versa. The panel, featuring representatives from WTW, Baker & McKenzie, and CAP, will explore the multifaceted landscape of tax considerations, labor law implications, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance issues associated with cash awards compared to equity. Uncover administrative considerations and effective solutions for implementing cash awards, including communication strategies. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the inclusion of cash awards in a global equity compensation program.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Factors influencing the choice between cash and equity awards
  • Addressing tax, labor law, regulatory, and corporate governance issues
  • Administrative considerations and communication strategies for cash awards

 

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