Societe Generale successfully completed its 2024 Global Employee Share Ownership Programme, raising EUR 186,907,707.84 and issuing 9,055,606 new shares subscribed by approximately 46,000 current and retired employees across 35 countries. The bank's share capital now stands at EUR 1,015,044,435.00, comprising 812,035,548 shares, with a minimal impact on the CET 1 ratio of around 4 basis points, effective by the end of Q3 2024. The program, the 31st of its kind, is part of Societe Generale's long-term commitment to employee involvement and sustainable value creation.

The Global Equity Organization's (GEO) 26th Annual Conference in Prague from 28-30 April 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for professionals in global equity compensation to advance their knowledge, network with peers worldwide, and witness industry excellence firsthand.

Next year, the event promises to be a transformative experience in the picturesque city of Prague, offering numerous benefits that make it a crucial investment for anyone involved in global equity compensation.

Valuable educational opportunities

One of the standout features of GEO's conference is the ability to earn up to ten continuing education credits. By attending, you stay current with evolving practices and gain insights into future trends that can influence your organization's global equity strategies. Join the 92% of attendees whose learning objectives were met last year, ensuring your time is well spent and highly productive.

Financial incentives

Early birds catch the worm, and in this case, early registrants catch significant savings. GEO offers substantial discounts for those who register ahead of time, making it financially prudent to plan early. Moreover, issuers of global equity compensation plans that secure a speaking slot can attend for free, presenting an unbeatable opportunity for key decision-makers to gain invaluable knowledge and network with peers from around the world.

Robust program: Education and networking

The conference program is meticulously crafted to offer diverse learning opportunities. With over 50 education sessions covering topics from regulatory updates to innovative equity plan design, attendees can tailor their experience to meet their professional development goals.

Networking at GEO's conference is about more than exchanging business cards; it's about forging lasting connections in a conducive environment. Imagine having access to 10 structured networking events designed to facilitate meaningful interactions. These events ensure attendees meet peers from over 20 countries, creating a global network of contacts that can prove invaluable long after the conference concludes. Join the 88% of attendees who felt engaged throughout the event, ensuring a productive and enjoyable experience.

GEO Awards: Celebrating excellence

As an added bonus, attendees will have the opportunity to witness the prestigious GEO Awards ceremony. Each attendee seat at this exclusive event is valued at $350, providing a chance to celebrate and honor excellence and innovation in the field of global equity compensation. This ceremony not only recognizes outstanding achievements but also inspires attendees with new ideas and best practices.

MAKING THE CASE FOR APPROVAL

Convincing your organization to approve travel and registration costs for GEO's 26th Annual Conference in Prague boils down to highlighting the tangible benefits:

• Professional Development: Gain essential knowledge and certifications through accredited sessions.
• Financial Efficiency: Take advantage of early registration discounts and free attendance for issuers.
• Networking Opportunities: Foster global connections at structured events designed for meaningful interactions.
• Industry Recognition: Experience the prestige of the GEO Awards, celebrating excellence in global equity compensation.

Attending GEO's conference isn't just an expense; it's an investment in both personal and organizational growth. The knowledge gained, connections made, and strategies learned can directly impact your company's success in navigating the complex landscape of global equity compensation.

By demonstrating how your attendance will contribute to your professional development and benefit the organization through enhanced knowledge, networking, and exposure to industry excellence at the GEO Awards, you can effectively make the case for approval.

Investing in your professional growth at GEO's 26th Annual Conference is a decision that promises substantial returns, both in the short term and throughout your career.

Jennifer Sun, Head of Plan Managers Asia at Computershare, highlights how Hong Kong-listed companies are increasingly using equity as employee remuneration to attract top talent. Computershare's research indicates that 83.6% of these companies now include an employee share plan, a significant increase from 66.1% a decade ago, with HK$72 billion invested in 2022. Employee share plans, including share options and share awards, are popular across various sectors, particularly IT and healthcare, and are seen as essential for aligning employee and company goals and improving retention.

The US IPO market, although challenging over the past two years, shows signs of improvement in 2024 as interest rates stabilize and stock valuations recover. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, IPO proceeds reached US$23.94 billion last year, a marginal increase from 2022, with the market showing resilience and attracting cross-border listings. Technology and biotech sectors are driving IPO activity, buoyed by strong investor support and market performance, while ongoing geopolitical tensions and market volatility remain challenges for potential issuers. However, a positive start to the year and pent-up demand may encourage more companies to pursue IPOs in 2024.