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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, 11:30 - 12:20
2.1 Pay vs. Performance: Navigating the New SEC Disclosure Rules

Elizabeth Stoudt, Infinite Equity
Adrienne Pettit, VRTX

USA
BREAKOUT II

The SEC’s forthcoming executive compensation disclosure rulemaking is set to redefine transparency, corporate accountability, and reporting expectations for public companies. While details are still emerging, this session will provide attendees with insights and strategic guidance to anticipate and prepare for the impact of these changes. Participants will explore how to align internal processes, enhance disclosure practices, and ensure readiness for a new era of executive compensation reporting.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • Key anticipated changes in SEC executive compensation disclosure requirements.
  • Strategies to prepare internal processes and reporting frameworks for compliance.
  • How enhanced transparency can support corporate accountability and investor confidence.
LOCATION:
Park A/B
Wednesday, 10 Dec 2025, 11:30 - 12:20
2.2 Bridging Gaps: How Multinationals Drive Equity Participation

Pam Chernoff, Aon
Tanner Chournos, Asana
Karol Peake, Stock and Option Solutions
Karen Needham, FGE, Wavelife Sciences

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Restricted shares
Global
BREAKOUT II

Broad-based equity programs—whether RSUs, ESPPs, or stock options—offer significant value, but many employees fail to fully understand or appreciate these benefits. Cultural differences, language barriers, and limited familiarity with stock concepts can create gaps in engagement and participation. This panel will examine where equity communication succeeds and where it falls short, sharing case studies from multinational companies that have effectively conveyed the value of equity to diverse employee audiences. Attendees will gain actionable insights for improving understanding, engagement, and participation across their workforce.

KEY LEARNINGS:

  • How cultural, language, and knowledge gaps impact equity program engagement and participation.
  • Effective strategies multinational companies have used to communicate equity value broadly.
  • Practical approaches to improving understanding, engagement, and adoption of broad-based equity programs.
LOCATION:
Park C
Thursday, 8 Jun 2023, 16:00 - 16:50
Trending now
ENHANCING THE PERCEIVED VALUE OF EQUITY AWARDS

SPEAKERS: Tommy Swindle, FGE, UBS (US), Dean Baylor, Applied Materials (US)

Global
BREAKOUT III

In the face of ongoing stock market uncertainty and persistent high inflation, the perceived value of equity awards for equity plan participants has taken a hit, marking a significant departure from the long-standing upward trend.

This expert panel highlights how employers can play a crucial role in helping plan participants fully comprehend and appreciate the value of their equity compensation and unlock the potential of their equity awards.

Don't miss this enlightening session, where we provide actionable insights that will not only position employers as leaders during these uncertain times but also enable them to attract and retain top-tier talent.

Attendees will learn:

  • The importance of employee education in understanding equity compensation.
  • Effective communication strategies to convey the value of equity awards.
  • How providing access to personalized financial advice is crucial for optimizing equity compensation.
Thursday, 8 Jun 2023, 16:00 - 16:50
Case Study
GOING IPO: THE WORK CONTINUES

SPEAKERS: Ramon Dominguez, Lucid Motors, Chris Dohrmann, Global Shares - a J.P. Morgan company

Global
BREAKOUT III

Public event readiness focuses on the actions leading up to the ‘Big Day’. But what happens after that day comes and goes?

This session provides advice on how to avoid an IPO hangover. The panel of experts will cover the items that tend to get lost in the shuffle or deferred in the frantic run up to the public event.

Attendees will learn:

  • The key milestones and steps you can take now to guarantee a pain free transaction
  • Which administrative tasks, controls and communications are essential to succeed
  • How to identify the key stakeholders and how best to communicate with them
Thursday, 16 Nov 2023, 11:00 - 12:00
Legal and regulatory
3.1 DIGITAL NOMADS: EQUITY AWARDS AND THE ALTERNATIVE WORKFORCE

Ludmilla Maurer, Baker McKenzie
Lindsay Minnis, Baker McKenzie

 

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

Discover the evolving landscape of global talent acquisition in this insightful session, where the expert panel unravel the complexities of hiring talent from around the world.

Attendees will access a comprehensive overview of countries where granting equity awards to consultant employees remains particularly challenging. Attend this panel to equip yourself with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the global talent landscape effectively, regardless of where your talent is based.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigating work arrangements: Understand the shift towards flexible work arrangements, including remote work, consulting, and employment through Professional Employer Organizations/Employers of Record. Learn why even large companies are exploring these options.
  • Legal and tax implications: Gain valuable insights into the diverse tax and legal considerations associated with equity awards, depending on the employment arrangement. Explore how multinational companies have successfully managed these challenges.
  • Documentation and communication: Delve into the differences in communicating and documenting equity awards based on the specific work arrangement. Get practical guidance on ensuring compliance and clarity in various scenarios.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Personell/HR
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, 11:00 - 12:00
General
3.2 HYPER-PERSONALISATION: KEEPING EQUITY RELEVANT IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE

James Robertson, Computershare
Louise Sutton, AstraZeneca
David Edwards, NatWest
Alex Brooks, Computershare

Choice plans
Global
BREAKOUT III

In the face of the ongoing and unprecedented mismatch between inflation and salary increases in 2023, which is expected to continue into 2024, companies find themselves in a relentless War for Talent. The challenge now is to ensure that equity plans remain effective and relevant in this ever-evolving landscape. In response to this changing environment, companies resorted to ‘one-off payments’ and ad-hoc share-based grants in 2022 and 2023.

Don't miss this session, where you'll gather invaluable knowledge about adapting equity plans to the challenges of today's talent landscape and future-proofing your organization's approach to employee rewards.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Navigating market trends: Gain insights into the market trends that unfolded in 2022 and 2023, understanding the dynamics that have shaped the current scenario.
  • The power of hyper-personalization: Explore how companies are harnessing the concept of "Hyper-personalization" to tailor equity rewards to individual employee needs and aspirations.
  • Revamping communication strategies: Discover how organizations are evolving their communication strategies to effectively reward and retain employees as we venture into 2024 and beyond.

 

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, 11:00 - 12:00
Data and business intelligence
3.3 GEIS SURVEY 2023: NURTURING TALENT, SEIZING MARKETS

Mitan Patel, FGE, Fidelity
David Voggeser, hkp/// group
Andrew Thain, hkp/// group
Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP
Sebastian Wetzel, Siemens Energy

Global
BREAKOUT III

Discover the critical role of talent and market dynamics in shaping equity compensation strategies. Join us for a deep dive into the latest insights from the Global Equity Insights Survey 2023 (GEIS 2023), focusing on recruitment, retention, inflation, and market volatility. 

Gain a comprehensive understanding of how these factors impact equity compensation and learn how organizations can adapt for success in a constantly changing environment. 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Talent and equity compensation: Understand how equity compensation is a powerful tool for attracting top talent and gaining a competitive advantage in recruitment.
  • Equity-based retention: Explore strategies to use equity compensation plans effectively for retaining key employees and reducing turnover.
  • Inflation and resilient plans: Grasp the impact of inflation on equity awards and learn how to design compensation plans that are resilient to economic fluctuations.

 

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, 11:00 - 12:00
Workplace solutions
3.4 EMPATHY IN EQUITY: STOCK PLANS AND THE TOTAL REWARDS JOURNEY

Maurice Day, Fidelity
Christine Karlsson, Saint Gobain
 

Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Performance shares
Stock options
Global
BREAKOUT III

Today’s rapidly evolving global workforce expects more than just financial rewards to join, stay and succeed at organisations. Recent data shows that employees are 3.5 times more likely to reach their full potential in workplaces where they feel they belong.

In this illuminating discussion between Saint-Gobain and Fidelity, you will discover how leading organizations can connect equity into a comprehensive, human-centric total rewards experience to strengthen the wider employee experience.

You’ll hear about the power of empathic, user experience (UX)-led approaches to shape a full rewards offering – including equity plans, workplace benefits, and retirement strategies - that inspire diverse global workforces.

Join to gain insights into how you can shape your organization's rewards approach in this way – to support a culture of belonging, connection, and performance excellence.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Enhanced engagement and financial wellness: Explore how organizations have strengthened understanding, engagement, and financial well-being among their diverse workforces through holistic rewards strategies.
  • Talent attraction, retention, and performance: Learn how companies have leveraged human-centric rewards to attract, retain, and drive high performance among their top talent.
  • Fostering stronger connections: Discover strategies employed by organizations to build stronger connections and commitment between employers and employees, fostering a sense of belonging and dedication to the organization.

 

CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*

Field of study: Personnel/HR 
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, 10:45 - 11:45
Private and pre-IPO companies
3.1 IPO readiness: Find that ‘IPO state of mind' before it's too late!

David Lanka, Bank of America
John Iannici, Bank of America
Donna Hammer, FGE, Lighthouse Equity Development

All plan types
Global
BREAKOUT III

Participate in an insightful session led by an expert panel, unraveling the critical role share plans play in guiding companies through the transition from private to public. Explore the nuances of preparing your company, processes, and employees for the pivotal IPO moment. Gain valuable knowledge on developing a public-company-focused compensation philosophy, strategically using equity along the IPO journey, and selecting plan offerings to engage a transitioning workforce effectively. Learn to navigate common pitfalls, including valuation challenges, share reserve estimation, post-IPO restrictions for executives, and effective program communication. Understand the significance of a lockup agreement and its impact on your equity plan. Equip yourself with essential insights for a seamless IPO transition.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Developing a public company-focused compensation philosophy
  • Strategically using equity along the IPO journey
  • Navigating common pitfalls and effective communication strategies

 

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