6.5 Mastering Equity Plan Reporting: From Data Integrity to Audit Readiness

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.
Speaker/Author

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

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
402
Field of Study
Accounting
Level
I

6.4 Equity at the Margins: Navigating Tax Challenges in Lower-Income Countries

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.
Speaker/Author

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

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 4
Field of Study
Tax
Level
I

6.1 The Equity Games: The Global Stock Plan Showdown

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.
Speaker/Author

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)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 1
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

5.3 Navigating Asia’s Evolving Equity Landscape: Compliance and Engagement

Asia’s equity landscape is shifting rapidly, with new regulatory reforms, foreign exchange restrictions, and tax developments reshaping how companies design and deliver employee share plans. From China’s evolving SAFE framework to India’s changing exchange control rules and Japan’s flexible securities law exemptions, issuers face both challenges and opportunities as they balance compliance with engagement.
 

This session will provide practical strategies for implementing equity programs across major Asian markets. Panelists will share real-world examples and best practices, highlighting how companies are navigating regulatory complexity while creating culturally resonant, sustainable programs that deliver meaningful employee experiences. Attendees will gain actionable insights to drive compliance, engagement, and efficiency in their global equity operations.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • How regulatory and tax developments across major Asian markets impact share plan design and delivery.
  • Strategies for navigating cross-border compliance while maintaining employee engagement.
  • Practical approaches to implementing sustainable and culturally aligned equity programs.
Speaker/Author

Kela Shang, Baker McKenzie (US)
Lindsay Minnis, Baker McKenzie (US)
Michelle Wilkinson Wong, Palo Alto Networks (US)
 

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 3
Field of Study
Tax
Level
I

5.2 Payroll Pitfalls in Equity Compensation: Lessons from the Trenches

Processing equity compensation through payroll systems can be complex, and even small errors can have significant consequences. This practical session is designed for stock plan administration professionals to explore the intersection of payroll operations and equity management. Using real-world case studies and expert insights, participants will learn how common mistakes happen, why they occur, and, most importantly, how to prevent them. 

The session will cover compliance challenges, risk mitigation strategies, best practices for seamless execution, and the unique complexities of cross-border equity processing, including system limitations, pay code configurations, and manual overrides. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to safeguard operations, optimize performance, and turn challenges into opportunities for process improvement.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn where mistakes typically occur in equity processing and practical strategies to prevent them.
  • Gain insights into handling global payroll challenges, including system limitations, pay codes, manual adjustments, and compliance requirements.
  • Explore best practices for streamlining workflows, ensuring compliance, and reducing operational risk in equity administration.
Speaker/Author

Derek Lambert, EY (US)
Oksana Lapii, EY (US)
Sam George, Lyft (US)
Rachel Ulep, eBay (US)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 2
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

5.1 Equity in Motion: Lessons from Transforming Companies

Major corporate actions—such as creating new legal entities, reorganizations, rapid scaling, and global expansion—can dramatically reshape companies and create unique challenges for equity operations. From maintaining data accuracy to ensuring effective communication and governance, equity teams must navigate complex transitions while keeping programs resilient and effective.
In this session, cross-industry experts share proven strategies and practical lessons for managing equity during periods of structural change. Attendees will gain actionable insights to adapt equity plans, onboard employees, maintain operational excellence, and ensure governance remains strong—even in fast-moving environments.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:
 

  • Learn strategies to adjust plan structures for new entities, reorganizations, and global expansion.
  • Explore best practices for onboarding employees, keeping data accurate, and managing day-to-day administration amid organizational transitions.
  • Discover techniques for clear employee and stakeholder communication, while upholding governance standards during periods of transformation.
Speaker/Author

Tami Phillips, J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions (US)
Georgina Lai, Alation (US)
Cherie Curry, FGE, FGS Global (US)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 1
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

2.3 Borderless Equity: Designing Inclusive Plans for a Mobile Workforce

As mobility and hybrid work redefine the modern workplace, equity plans must evolve to support a truly borderless workforce. This session explores how leading organizations are adapting plan design, tax and compliance frameworks, and communication strategies to engage remote and mobile employees while maintaining operational efficiency.
Attendees will gain practical insights on navigating cross-border employment, hybrid work models, and global expansion—building inclusive, future-ready equity programs that meet both business and employee needs.


KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand how hybrid work and global talent mobility impact equity program structure and delivery.
  • Learn strategies for handling cross-border tax obligations, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges.
  • Explore best practices for aligning equity plans with employee expectations and delivering clear, culturally relevant communications across geographies.
Speaker/Author

Charles Russo, Computershare (US)
Teun Tchornobay, Darling Ingredients (US)
Denise Glagau, Baker McKenzie (US)
 

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 14:45 - 15:35
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 3
Field of Study
Tax
Level
I

2.2 From Private to Public: Inside the Equity Decisions That Shape IPO Readiness

IPO day may look glamorous from the outside, but equity teams know it’s equal parts celebration and controlled chaos. Behind the confetti is months (or years) of preparation, cross-functional coordination, and high-stakes decision-making that can define the success of a company’s transition to public life.

In this session, the panel will break down what really goes into IPO readiness—from building scalable equity processes and governance frameworks to avoiding the common missteps that catch even experienced teams off guard. Attendees will gain practical insights, real-world lessons learned, and actionable guidance to help their organizations navigate the road to going public with confidence (and fewer surprises).

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify the critical equity processes, controls, and data structures that must be in place well before the S-1 is filed.
  • Understand where equity teams most often stumble—from data integrity to cross-functional misalignment—and how to proactively mitigate those risks.
  • Learn practical frameworks for managing timelines, stakeholders, and last-minute challenges while keeping the equity function calm, credible, and compliant.
Speaker/Author

Aaron Rosser, Accelerated Equity Plans (US)
Brett Andersen, Cribl (US)
Amber Fullmer, Reddit (US)
Andrew Barrus, Procore (US)

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 14:45 - 15:35
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 2
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

1.4 Big Ideas, Wherever You Are: Equity Hacks for a Smarter, Smoother Global Journey

From the first spark of a global equity plan to the ongoing effort of keeping it running smoothly, this session delivers expert insights and practical strategies to help you navigate every stage of the equity lifecycle. Whether you’re launching your first all-employee plan or refining a mature program, our panel will share lessons learned, best practices, and game-changing ideas that make equity programs more effective—for both your workforce and your organization.
Attendees will explore high-impact approaches to plan design and administration, while also tackling the operational realities of managing global equity. Expect actionable tips, tools, and real-world stories covering the full lifecycle—from initial plan design to vesting, tax education, and benefits integration.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn strategies to create equity programs that balance compliance, administrative efficiency, and meaningful employee impact.
  • Explore practical approaches to streamline operations, including FMV definitions, fractional shares, and smarter tax withholding strategies.
  • Discover how to integrate equity with benefits, leverage expert partners, and maximize the overall impact of your programs.
Speaker/Author

Evans Longacre, Fidelity (US)
Jayme Brest, AT&T (US)
Christy Browning, Dell (US)
 

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 13:30 - 14:30
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 4
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O
LIVE WEBCAST
9 October 2025, 11am - 1pm EDT
SHARE PLAN EXCEL ESSENTIALS
BOOTCAMP

Virtual

Operational effectiveness
All plan types
Global

EXCEL ESSENTIALS FOR SHARE PLANS

Join us for a comprehensive hands-on session that takes you through the Excel essentials tailored for managing and optimizing share plan data. This stand-alone course provides attendees with a practical, interactive experience designed to enhance your proficiency in working with common functions and real-world scenarios.

In this course, you will: 

  • Learn essential Excel tools tailored for share plan management
  • Solve common share plan challenges through interactive exercises
  • Use Excel to analyze, interpret, and make informed decisions

COST
Please refer to our Event Attendee Terms and Conditions for information.

Members: 129.00
Non-Members:159.00

ATTN: Bootcamp registrants!  If you have enrolled (or are planning to enroll) for the October 2025 Virtual Bootcamp program, this course is included in your registration. You do not have to sign up for this course.

ANY QUESTIONS? 
Please contact GEO's Program Services.