banner image

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.

Filter by:

Thursday, 23 Apr 2026, 12:15 - 12:55
Case Study
Communications
Employee engagement
Finance, tax and accounting
9.5 From Plan to Culture: How Allianz Scaled a Global ESPP Across 48 Countries

Gordon Rosch, EY (DE)
Anete Grinfogele, Allianz (DE)
Gerrit Wagner, EY (DE)
Mike Rothery, Computershare (CH)

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT IX

Join this session to learn how Allianz, EY, and Equatex have partnered since 2018 to design and scale a truly global ESPP—driving employee ownership at Allianz from 9% to an impressive 79%, representing more than €1.5 billion in assets under management.

This session will explore how Allianz evolved from simply offering an ESPP to cultivating a holistic, enterprise-wide culture of employee share ownership. By combining thoughtful plan design, tax-efficient strategies, and a strong focus on employee experience, Allianz has successfully engaged its global workforce across 48 countries.

This is a practical, end-to-end case study on the power of partnership, innovation, and execution in building sustainable global employee ownership.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how Allianz transformed its ESPP into a holistic employee shareholder program spanning 48 countries and dramatically increased participation across its workforce.
  • Gain insights from EY on managing diverse tax and legal frameworks while maintaining global consistency, compliance, and tax efficiency.
  • Discover how Equatex optimized the employee journey and centralized communications to boost engagement and participation worldwide.
LOCATION:
402
Thursday, 23 Apr 2026, 12:15 - 12:55
Communications
Design and strategy
9.6 From Hospitality to Holdings: Driving ESPP Demand Through Human Psychology

Elena Thomas, Empower (US)
Amanda Arena, FGE, Aon (US)

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT IX

What does the hospitality industry—restaurants, hotels, and other service-led brands—have in common with your ESPP? One shared challenge: creating demand in a crowded, high-choice environment.

In this focus session, these experts will draw on their unique experience across both equity compensation and hospitality to share five proven, people-driven lessons that can be directly applied to ESPP design and communication. Borrowing from the hospitality playbook, this session focuses on how perceived value, accessibility, messaging, and social influence shape participation decisions.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Apply hospitality-inspired thinking to ESPP design, including how employees perceive discounts, matches, and overall value.
  • Learn how hospitality reduces friction and stays top of mind—and how those tactics translate to cash vs. cashless ESPPs and ongoing communication.
  • Leverage messaging, exclusivity, and peer influence to boost awareness, enrollment, and sustained ESPP participation.
     
LOCATION:
401
Thursday, 15 Jun 2023, 15:00 - 15:50
Communications
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES THAT CONNECT WITH ALL EMPLOYEES

SPEAKER: David Parry, Computershare

Global
BREAKOUT X

Communicating effectively with employees from different generations, geographies, job roles, salary levels, and work environments can be challenging. However, through case studies and global insights, this session provides practical tools and techniques to overcome this challenge.

 

The expert panel offers relatable guidance to connect with all employees and succeed in fostering engagement.

Attendees will learn:

  • Practical tools and techniques to effectively communicate with a diverse workforce
  • Real-life case studies the highlight successful communication strategies employed by organizations worldwide
  • Insights on leveraging technology, active listening, empathy, and inclusivity to enhance communication and foster employee engagement
Thursday, 15 Jun 2023, 15:00 - 15:50
Design and strategy
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY HIRE, ENGAGE AND RETAIN GEN Z, THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORKERS

SPEAKERS: Sam Adams, Morgan Stanley at Work, Andrew Cunningham, Morgan Stanley at Work, Amberly Fullmer, Reddit, Joseph Saig, Stock & Option Solutions

Global
BREAKOUT X

Gen Z accounts for approximately 61 million people in the US entering the workforce. This segment of the workforce has lived a much different life than their parents and other millennials. Companies looking to recruit, engage, and retain must adjust their tactics. In a post-COVID environment, Gen Z is facing rising costs of living, stagnant incomes, and a mountain of student loan debt causing financial stress. To meet the demands of Gen Z workplace demands, companies must understand their top concerns and address them accordingly. Priorities include a good work-life balance, opportunities for learning and development, focus on diversity and promote from within, meaningful work, and a commitment to fair compensation.

Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:35
Executive pay
10.1 Preparing executives for liquidity events in shifting regulations

Rich Baker, Morgan Stanley at Work
Joshua Shek, Morgan Stanley at Work
Travis Triano, Davis Polk
Lamont Walker, Lyft
Mary Anne Becking, Canva

Executive plans
Global
BREAKOUT X

Planning to go public amid the dynamic SEC landscape? After a prolonged dry market period, companies are eager to resume IPO efforts, but executives face new regulations and scrutiny. Join our panel as they guide you through the entire IPO timeline – from pre-IPO preparations to lock-up expiration. Gain insights into the challenges posed by an active SEC, changes to Rule 10b5-1, Rule 144, and the shift to T+1 settlement. Join them as they give you a comprehensive playbook to manage expectations and ensure a smooth IPO experience for your executives and key insiders.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore stock plan services, regulatory education, communication planning, and pre-liquidity financial planning
  • Discuss differences in direct listing and the intricacies of lock-up expiration
  • Review updates on Rule 10b5-1, Rule 144, and T+1 settlement, and receive guidance on navigating these new rules

 

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
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:35
Design and strategy
10.2 D&I-driven excellence: pioneering plan designs for inclusivity

Sophie Altaf, Fidelity
Galahad Dong, Simspon Strongtie
Maya Wright, Iron Mountain

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT X

Our panel will explore the intricate landscape of compensation and equity management, with a focus on aligning with Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) standards. The panel will discuss the latest trends in D&I across different types of companies, examining specific plan design elements crafted to improve access and facilitate wealth creation for employees at all organizational levels. We will critically examine existing policies and processes, highlighting potential unintended consequences. When faced with unexpected challenges, explore effective strategies to navigate disruptions and realign your compensation and equity strategies seamlessly.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore unique plan design elements that could foster inclusivity and wealth creation for employees at every organizational level
  • Examine how existing policies and processes may inadvertently lead to unforeseen outcomes in compensation and equity management
  • Learn strategies to navigate unforeseen challenges and regain harmony in the dynamic landscape of compensation and equity management

 

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:
Midtown 1
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:35
Trending now
10.3 Achieving global parity

Anton Seatter, JTC Group
Kim Woodard, Walmart

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Global
BREAKOUT X

As workplaces become increasingly geographically diverse, achieving not just pay parity but also benefit parity poses significant challenges. With variations in tax, labor laws, and social systems across countries, coupled with distinct corporate cultures, aligning benefits such as retirement and equity compensation becomes a complex task. Join our expert panel as they delve into the intricacies of global benefits harmonization, sharing insights on overcoming these hurdles. Join them in unraveling the complexities of global equity and benefit strategies in the modern, diverse workplace.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigate the challenges posed by diverse tax, labor, and social systems
  • Address variations in corporate culture impacting benefit alignment
  • Gain insights into successful strategies employed by companies to harmonize global benefits

 

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 1
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:35
Operational effectiveness
10.4 T+1: the increased imperative for automation

Jerome Tresallet, Deloitte 
Katie Lyons, Fidelity

 

Choice plans
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Executive plans
Performance cash
Performance shares
Restricted shares
Stock appreciation rights (SAR)
Global
BREAKOUT X

In the face of tightening settlement time regulations, including the imminent US T+1 requirements, our expert panel, featuring Fidelity, and representatives from Deloitte US and Deloitte Canada, invites you to explore the imperative of establishing an automated and efficient end-to-end processing system for equity transactions. Drawing from their experiences with companies boasting complex remote work policies, mobility programs, and diverse equity awards, the panel unveils insights into challenges, lessons learned, and leading practices in achieving process efficiencies from grant to global payroll instructions. Dive into discussions covering broker and HR systems requirements, data exchange challenges, collaboration with payroll, and the pivotal role of enhancing employee experience.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the challenges posed by evolving regulations, such as the US T+1 requirements and SEC Rule 15c6-2
  • Explore strategies employed by Airbnb, Nike, and Fidelity Investments in achieving automated and efficient end-to-end processing of equity transactions
  • Gain insights into planning ahead for common surprises and anticipating the impact of upcoming changes in regulations, ensuring a seamless automation process

 

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
Thursday, 11 Apr 2024, 12:45 - 13:35
Executive pay
Operational effectiveness
10.5 Five steps to easier performance award administration

Elena Thomas, OptionTrax
Karol Peake, Stock and Option Solutions
Brandon Foster, American Woodmark

Performance cash
Performance shares
Global
BREAKOUT X

In today's dynamic compensation landscape, performance awards administration is crucial for equity plan professionals. Join our expert panel in an informative session demystifying global performance award management. Explore complexities, responsibilities, and collaborations essential for success. Navigate the nuances of performance awards in a volatile market, backed by real-world issuer examples and actionable steps to streamline equity compensation plans. 
Our goal is to impart practical knowledge, making the process manageable and sparing you from frustration. Don't miss this engaging presentation delivered by industry leaders, leaving you better prepared for global performance award challenges.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Unravel complexities in global performance award management
  • Understand responsibilities and collaborations crucial for success
  • Gain actionable insights for navigating volatile market conditions

 

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 3