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

6.3 Modern LTI Strategies: Designing for Impact, Growth and Retention

Equity compensation is one of the most powerful tools for attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent—but not all LTI plans are created equal. In this session, we’ll explore the evolving landscape of LTI design, highlighting innovative strategies that go beyond the basics.

From multi-day pricing models and accelerated vesting schedules to creative retirement eligibility provisions, participants will examine emerging trends and forward-thinking plan features that leading companies are using to stay competitive. Whether you’re building a new program or refining an existing one, you’ll walk away with practical insights, best practices, and creative solutions to make your LTI plan more effective, engaging, and aligned with your workforce goals.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

  • Discover the latest approaches in LTI plans, including multi-day pricing, accelerated vesting, and retirement eligibility innovations.
  • Learn strategies to make LTIs more motivating and aligned with employee priorities, improving participation and retention.
  • Gain actionable tips for designing, launching, or refining LTI programs to maximize strategic impact and workforce alignment.
Speaker/Author

Lenka Haase, Fidelity (US)
Jeremy Boraks, Fidelity (US)
Ajit Jacobs, Aon (US)
Dennis Paalman, Arcadis (NL)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 3
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

6.2 Navigating Executive Trading: Insights on Readiness, SEC Compliance and Market Trends

Whether your company is preparing for an IPO, recently went public, or has been public for some time, managing liquidity solutions and executive stock positions is critical. This session provides actionable guidance on navigating liquidity events across all stages of a company’s public journey.

Attendees will gain insights from the latest Morgan Stanley 10b5-1 Survey Report, market trends, and recent SEC rule changes. The session will cover practical strategies such as Rule 144 trades, 10b5-1 plans, and managing RSU releases, while addressing both capital considerations and potential market impacts. Participants will also learn how pending SEC changes, including possible semi-annual reporting, may influence executive liquidity planning.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand strategies to manage executive stock positions effectively, from IPO to mature public company stages.
  • Learn how Rule 144 trades, 10b5-1 plans, and RSU release management can support liquidity while staying compliant with SEC rules.
  • Gain insights into current market dynamics, recent SEC updates, and pending rules that impact executive stock planning.
Speaker/Author

Josh Shek, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)
Mike Andresino, ArentFox Schiff LLP (US)
Matt Connor, FGE, Lucid Motors (US)
Erika Rivera, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 2
Field of Study
Finance
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

6.6 The Architecture of Equity: How to Build an ESPP That Lasts

A well-designed ESPP is more than a benefit—it’s a powerful tool for fostering ownership, engagement, and alignment across your organization. But creating a lasting program requires a strong foundation.
In this session, participants will explore the essential elements of sustainable ESPP design, from aligning with corporate objectives and managing financial trade-offs to navigating compliance and global complexities. Attendees will gain a practical framework for evaluating plan features, modeling participation, and future-proofing their ESPP to meet evolving workforce and market needs. 

Whether you’re refreshing an existing plan or launching a new one, this session provides actionable tools and strategic insights to build an ESPP that endures.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how to align your ESPP with corporate goals, financial strategy, and workforce objectives for long-term impact.
  • Gain insights into managing regulatory, tax, and operational challenges across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Discover strategies for modeling participation, evaluating plan features, and adapting your ESPP to evolving workforce and market needs.
Speaker/Author

Liz Stoudt, Infinite Equity (US)
Amy Henry, The Coca-Cola Company (IE)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 16:00 - 17:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
401
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

5.4 Employee Ownership in Focus: Insights from Rutgers

Discover the latest insights on employee ownership and equity compensation in this session led by the Rutgers Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing, the global leader in equity research. Drawing on the largest studies ever conducted in the U.S., this session explores how equity is distributed, who participates in these programs, and the impact of employee ownership on both organizational and employee outcomes.
 

Attendees will gain a data-driven perspective on trends in equity participation and the strategic value of employee ownership, along with practical implications for designing and enhancing equity programs.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand how equity is distributed across organizations and which employees are participating in equity programs.
  • Explore the strategic, financial, and cultural effects of employee ownership on workforce engagement and company performance.
  • Gain actionable takeaways for structuring and enhancing equity programs based on rigorous research findings.
Speaker/Author

Bill Castellano, Rutgers University (US)
Dr. Joseph Blasi, Rutgers University (US)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 14:00 - 15:00
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 4
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

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

4.6 The EO Index: Driving Shareholder Value and Employee Wealth

Broad-based employee ownership (BBEO) isn’t just good for employees—it drives real shareholder value. Work to Own is pioneering the Employee Ownership (EO) Index, using AI to measure and optimize BBEO across 1,500 U.S. public companies. This session explores how data-driven insights link employee ownership to firm performance and provide companies with actionable strategies to scale equity ownership effectively.

Join the experts to learn how AI overcomes data gaps, discover research-backed connections between BBEO and shareholder returns, and see how a quantitative model can help companies design equity programs that boost engagement, retention, and long-term growth.
KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how AI and analytics create a data-driven standard for employee ownership.
  • See research showing companies with higher BBEO outperform peers.
  • Use the EO Index and models to design and communicate programs that benefit employees and shareholders alike.
Speaker/Author

Stan Feldman, Work to Own (US)
Lennart Wenzel, University of Göttingen (DE)
David Voggeser, Mercer (DE)
Rieke Hullman, Mercer (DE)

Event date
Wednesday, 22 Apr 2026, 12:00 - 12:50
Country
Breakout series
Location
401
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
I