In today’s world of tighter budgets and rising expectations, how can issuers reduce the cost of their share plans without compromising their appeal? This session brings share plan accounting to life, showing that what may seem like a dry, technical topic is actually critical for program success.

Attendees will explore practical strategies to optimize expenses while maintaining eligibility and plan attractiveness. The session will also examine the tension between U.S. trends toward more discretion in performance conditions and the measurement challenges this can create. Participants will leave with actionable insights to make informed decisions, manage costs effectively, and maintain high-performing equity programs.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Learn practical approaches to reduce share plan expenses without impacting employee eligibility or program appeal.
• Understand the challenges and implications of discretionary performance metrics and their effect on measurement and compliance.
• Gain actionable insights for maintaining attractive, high-performing share plans in budget-constrained environments.

The role of the equity professional is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Once viewed primarily as administrators and technical experts, today’s equity leaders are expected to serve as strategic advisors—educating executives, influencing enterprise-wide decisions, and proactively managing risk in an increasingly complex environment.

In this session, industry experts with decades of hands-on experience will share candid reflections from their professional journeys, offering rare perspective on how the role has evolved and what has remained constant. Drawing on real-world lessons learned at the highest levels, speakers will explore shifting expectations from executives and boards, how to build lasting equity literacy across the company, and what it truly takes to move from execution to influence.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Gain perspective from seasoned industry leaders on how the equity role has evolved over time and what future equity professionals must understand to remain relevant and influential
• Understand changing expectations from executives and boards, and learn practical approaches to building enterprise-wide equity literacy and trust
• Learn how to elevate your impact by leveraging data, storytelling, and proactive risk management to influence strategy and strengthen your organizational and career positioning

As companies expand globally, boards are increasingly composed of directors who reside outside the company’s home country—introducing new layers of regulatory, tax, and compliance complexity. This panel will explore the critical considerations companies must address when compensating non-resident board members, including securities regulations, taxation, withholding, reporting, and treaty relief.

Drawing on real-world case studies from jurisdictions such as Canada and the UK, panelists will share practical approaches to structuring director compensation, managing multi-jurisdictional tax obligations, and avoiding common pitfalls. Attendees will gain actionable insights to help ensure compliant, efficient, and well-governed outcomes for globally distributed boards.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• How to evaluate regulatory and securities law requirements for non-resident directors.
• How to determine residency, allocate compensation, and manage cross-border tax obligations.
• How to navigate withholding, reporting, and treaty relief to reduce risk and complexity.

Over the past several years, artificial intelligence has been the subject of significant discussion across stock plan administration and the broader finance function—but much of the conversation has remained aspirational. This session moves beyond the hype to focus on how AI is actually being implemented today.
Led by Deloitte AI leader, this discussion will explore where AI agents are already delivering real value within stock plan and finance teams. Drawing on hands-on experience building and deploying AI solutions across multiple platforms, these experts will share practical insights into what is working, what is not, and what it truly takes to adopt AI successfully. Attendees will examine real-world. 

AI use cases in stock plan administration and walk through the journey of AI readiness—from data and systems to governance and change management—so they can begin taking meaningful steps now to prepare for what’s ahead.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Understand practical, real-world AI use cases already impacting stock plan administration and finance operations.
• Learn the foundational requirements for successful AI adoption, including data readiness, system integration, governance, and team capabilities.
• Identify concrete, near-term actions you can take to prepare your stock plan function for AI adoption and long-term transformation.

Operating share plans globally is no easy task—but there are proven ways to significantly improve their effectiveness and impact. In this session, a highly experienced panel featuring leaders from NatWest, Sage, Tapestry, and Wealth at Work will share practical insights drawn from real-world experience across industries and regions.

The discussion will explore evolving trends in plan design, effective approaches to financial education (without crossing into financial advice), and strategies for engaging a multigenerational and multicultural workforce. 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Learn how to deliver responsible plan communications and financial education without crossing into regulated financial advice.
• Discover innovative solutions to common communication challenges that improve how employees perceive and value their share plans.
• Explore strategies for addressing cultural and generational differences to ensure equity programs resonate across regions.

The world of equity compensation is evolving rapidly—and some of the most meaningful innovation comes not from new tools or plan designs, but from shared experience and open dialogue. This interactive roundtable brings together industry peers to exchange ideas, compare approaches, and discuss what’s next for equity compensation.

Through candid conversation, participants will explore emerging trends in plan design, communication, and administration, while tackling the real-world challenges stock plan professionals face today. From simplifying complexity to increasing employee engagement, this session is designed to surface practical solutions and fresh perspectives drawn directly from those in the trenches.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

• Gain insight into the latest developments in equity plan design, communication, and administration.
• Learn strategies to address operational, compliance, and engagement challenges faced by stock plan professionals.
• Exchange real-world experiences and creative approaches with fellow equity compensation practitioners to inspire new solutions.

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.

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.

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.

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.