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
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
11 February 2026, 11:30am - 1:30pm CST
TEXAS CHAPTER MEETING
TEXAS

AUSTIN, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

DON'T MISS OUR FIRST CHAPTER MEETING OF 2026!

Join our Texas-based experts as they lead a live roundtable discussion from Austin, with in-person networking watch parties in Dallas and Houston.

Equity compensation is evolving rapidly—and some of the most impactful innovation starts with a great conversation. This interactive roundtable brings together stock plan professionals to exchange insights, share real-world experiences, and explore what’s next in equity compensation.

Expect a fast-moving, practitioner-led discussion covering plan design, communication, and administration, with practical takeaways on today’s biggest challenges—and the opportunities hidden within them.

Enjoy food, networking, and engaging conversation with peers who understand the realities of managing equity compensation today.

As an added bonus, attendees will be entered for a chance to win a free pass to the GEO Annual Conference in Austin, 21-23 April 2026.

LOCATIONS:

In-Person:
BDO
Austin Office
600 W. 5th Street
Suite 1400
Austin, TX 78701

Watch Party:
BDO
Dallas Office
600 North Pearl Street
Suite 1700
Dallas, TX 75201

Watch Party:
BDO
Houston Office
2929 Allen Parkway
20th Floor
Houston, TX 77019

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.  Registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Texas Chapter Team

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

SPONSORS

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5 The State of Global Equity in 2026: Trends, Risks, and What’s Next

As global equity programs continue to evolve amid regulatory change, workforce mobility, and rapid advances in technology, staying ahead of what’s coming next has never been more critical. This forward-looking session provides a global snapshot of where equity compensation stands in 2026—and what companies should be preparing for now.
 

These global industry experts from Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, and the US, will explore key regulatory developments across major regions, shifting talent mobility and retention dynamics, and the growing influence of technology and AI on equity administration. Designed to help global equity leaders navigate uncertainty with confidence, this session will combine strategic insights with practical considerations to support informed decision-making in an increasingly complex environment.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Identify key regulatory trends and emerging risks across major global markets and how they may impact equity plan design and administration.
  • Explore how changing workforce patterns—including cross-border mobility and remote work—are reshaping global equity strategies.
  • Learn how technology and AI are transforming equity operations, from compliance and reporting to data management and decision support.
     
Speaker/Author

Amit Majumder, Qapita (IN)
Cherry Mo, WiseTech Global (AU)
Dikla Reznik-Erez, ESOP (IS)
Soren Klausen, Iuno Law (DK)
Diane Atteberry, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 10:45 - 11:45
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 5
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

3.1 Around the World in 60 Minutes: Global Equity Edition

From China to Chile, the U.S. to the UK—and everywhere in between—this session takes a practical look at the legal, regulatory, and tax updates shaping global equity incentive plans. 
Designed for professionals balancing compliance, cost, and complexity, this session cuts through the noise with candid discussion, practical guidance, and hard-earned lessons on managing global incentive plans without losing your sanity—or your budget. Whether you’re a seasoned global equity leader or just expanding internationally, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the latest regulatory and tax developments impacting equity compensation across key global markets.
  • Learn strategies to control compliance costs while minimizing legal, tax, and operational risk.
  • Gain real-world tips from issuers and advisors on keeping plans compliant, scalable, and efficient across multiple jurisdictions.
Speaker/Author

Ian Gassner, Weir Group (UK)
Tom Parker, Tapestry (UK)
Lewis Dulley, Tapestry (UK)
Vanda Kiss, Nokia (NL)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 10:45 - 11:45
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 1
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

1.6 Back in Play: The Resurgence of Stock Options

After a decade in the shadows, stock options are making a comeback. Once replaced by RSUs and other equity vehicles, companies are rediscovering the strategic value of options in attracting, retaining, and motivating talent.

This session explores the drivers behind this resurgence, the benefits and challenges of reintroducing stock options, and the practical considerations for integrating them into modern compensation strategies. Join us for a lively discussion and gain insights into how stock options can complement today’s equity landscape.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore why companies are returning to stock options and what market, financial, and talent trends are driving this shift.
  • Learn how to incorporate stock options alongside RSUs and other equity vehicles to support your total rewards strategy.
  • Discover key factors to evaluate when shaping stock option policies, including vesting, taxation, communication, and employee engagement.
Speaker/Author

Gemma Ludwig, Vialto Partners (UK)
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors (US)
Mark Montaruli, Regeneron (US)

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 13:30 - 14:30
Country
Breakout series
Location
401
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

1.2 Global Share Plans in Motion: What’s New, What’s Risky, and What to Watch

Global share plan compliance continues to evolve—sometimes in helpful ways, sometimes in unexpected (and challenging) ones. This session delivers a fast-paced update on recent legal, tax, and regulatory developments across key jurisdictions, including Argentina, China, Denmark, Israel, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.

Experienced issuer leaders and a global share plan advisor will share how these changes are affecting real-world equity programs, highlighting where companies are adjusting plan design, administration, and compliance strategies. The discussion will focus on practical approaches for monitoring global developments, responding to regulatory change, and maintaining compliant share plans across diverse jurisdictions.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Key global regulatory and tax developments impacting share plans across major jurisdictions.
  • How companies are adapting plan design and compliance strategies in response to change.
  • Practical methods for staying ahead of global developments without overburdening internal teams.
Speaker/Author

Barbara Klementz, Baker McKenzie (US)
Mike Browning, Equinix (US)
Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA (US)
Cherie Curry, FGE, FGS Global (US)
Sepehr Samari, Microsoft (US)

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 13:30 - 14:30
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 2
Field of Study
Tax
Level
I
LIVE WEBCAST
17 February 2026, 1 - 2pm EST
FROM ADMINISTRATOR TO ADVISOR: THE EVOLVING ROLE OF THE EQUITY LEADER
Webcast

Sponsored by insightsoftware

Trending now
All plan types
Global

ASIA-PAC: 17 February- 8am HKT I 11am AEDT I 3:30pm IST (India)
EUROPE/MIDDLE EAST: 17 February - 10am or 6pm GMT | 11am or 7pm CET | 12pm IST (Israel)
THE AMERICAS: 16 February - 4pm PT | 7pm ET or 17 February - 10am PT | 12pm CT | 1pm ET


The role of the equity professional is rapidly transforming. Once viewed primarily as plan administrators and reactive problem solvers, today’s equity leaders are stepping into far more strategic positions—serving as trusted advisors, cross-functional connectors, and educators across the enterprise. As companies place greater emphasis on talent strategy, retention, and long-term value creation, equity leaders are increasingly influencing conversations at the highest levels of the business.

In this session, speakers will explore how equity professionals can move beyond execution and into a more proactive, advisory role—guiding executives on strategic decisions, anticipating challenges, and translating complex equity concepts into clear, business-relevant insights. Attendees will gain practical perspectives on how to elevate their influence, build enterprise-wide equity literacy, and position equity as a critical driver of informed decision-making across all levels of the company.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Understand how the equity leader role is evolving from administrator to strategic advisor, coordinator, and educator
  • Learn practical ways to drive cross-functional collaboration and increase equity literacy among executives and key stakeholders
  • Identify strategies to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive guidance that supports better decisions and stronger company outcomes


CPE CREDIT HOURS: 1.0*
 Field of study: Specialized Knowledge
 Levels: O
 Delivery method: Group Internet-Based
 Advanced preparation: None

CEP Continuing Education (CE) credit:1.0 credits *CPE credits are provided for live webcasts only.

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

COST

  • Members: Free access — Live and on-demand
  • Non-members: $85 per webcast — Live and on-demand

Unlock unlimited access! Join GEO from just $350/year and watch every webcast free—live or on-demand plus more member perks!

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
3 December 2025, 4 - 7pm CST
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER - AUSTIN
AUSTIN SQUARE

AUSTIN, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

Join your fellow chapter members for an evening of high-level networking at the lovely Juliet Italian Kitchen in the Arboretum.

This event is dedicated solely to connection and relationship building within our professional community. Step inside this private setting to forge new connections, reconnect with peers, and discuss industry trends in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.

LOCATION:
Juliet-Arboretum
10000 Research Blvd
Austin, TX 78759

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.  Registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Texas Chapter Team

 

SPONSORED BY:

 

Image removed.

 

 

 

 

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
4 December 2025, 4 - 7pm CST
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER - HOUSTON
HOUSTON

HOUSTON, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

Join your fellow chapter members for an evening of high-level networking at one of the city's most prestigious and beautiful venues, the River Oaks Country Club.

This event is dedicated solely to connection and relationship building within our professional community. Step inside this private setting to forge new connections, reconnect with peers, and discuss industry trends in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.

LOCATION:
River Oaks Country Club
1600 River Oaks Boulevard
Houston, TX 77019

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.  Registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Texas Chapter Team

 

SPONSORED BY:

 

Image removed.

 

 

 

 

 

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
2 December 2025, 4 - 7pm CST
GEO TEXAS CHAPTER - DALLAS
dallas networking

DALLAS, TX

Trending now
All plan types
USA

Join your fellow chapter members for an evening of high-level networking at one of the city's most prestigious and exclusive venues, The Cowboy's Club.

This event is dedicated solely to connection and relationship building within our professional community. Step inside this private setting to forge new connections, reconnect with peers, and discuss industry trends in an elegant and relaxed atmosphere.

LOCATION:
The Cowboy Club
The Star in Frisco, at 5 Cowboys Way
Suite 200
Frisco, TX 75034
 

There is no cost for this chapter meeting.  

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.  Registration is required.

View the event attendee terms and conditions.

We look forward to seeing you.

The Texas Chapter Team

 

SPONSORED BY:

 

Image removed.