United States of America Image
IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
16 June 2026, 11:30am - 1:30pm PDT
NORCAL CHAPTER MEETING-SAN FRANCISCO OR SANTA CLARA
norcal chapter

San Francisco, CA

Santa Clara, CA

USA

Join the AI Club for Equity with the GEO NorCal Chapter!

Speakers: Tara Hagen, Aon | Kate Hall, Aon | Kelcie Urstad, Aon | Lamont Walker, Applied Intunition

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the equity compensation landscape, creating both new opportunities and new challenges for equity professionals. From streamlining day-to-day administration to reshaping talent markets and compensation strategies, AI is becoming an increasingly important topic across the industry.

Join the “AI Club for Equity” session, live in San Francisco and streamed in Santa Clara, where industry practitioners will share practical insights into how AI is currently being used — and where its limitations still exist — within equity administration and operations.

The session will also explore emerging data on AI-related talent premiums and examine how companies are adapting equity plan design to attract and retain AI-critical talent across both private and public organisations.

Designed as an interactive and forward-looking discussion, this session will provide attendees with practical examples, market perspectives, and valuable peer insights into one of the most significant shifts currently impacting the equity compensation profession.

LOCATIONS: 
Aon - Santa Clara (Streamed)
3979 Freedom Cir #620
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Aon - San Francisco (Live)
425 Market St., #2800
San Francisco, CA 94105

Thank you to our generous host and sponsor:

 aon

REGISTRATION AND COST:
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. 

View the event attendee terms and conditions.  

ARTICLE
1 January 2026
COMPUTERSHARE 2026 OUTLOOK
External News

Computershare

Data and business intelligence
All plan types
USA

The 2026 Employee Share Plans Outlook reveals North American companies are transforming ESPPs and equity programs to boost financial wellbeing, attract talent, and stay competitive. Most plan major expansions or redesigns, signaling a shift toward more innovative, employee-focused equity strategies.

ARTICLE
3 April 2026
OWNERSHIP CULTURE: HOW ESOPS HELP COMPANIES ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP TALENT
External News

Menke & Associates

Employee engagement
Stock options
USA

As competition for talent increases, more companies are turning to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) to improve retention, strengthen culture, and give employees a financial stake in the business. ESOPs allow employees to gradually accumulate company shares through tax-advantaged retirement structures, with growing adoption across the U.S. as a tool for succession planning and workforce engagement. While they require careful structuring, business leaders see employee ownership as a long-term strategy that aligns company success with employee wealth-building and loyalty.

ARTICLE
7 May 2026
AFTER SPACEX IPO, JEFF BEZOS' NEW BLUE ORIGIN SHARE PLAN
External News

The Times of India 

Case Study
All plan types
USA

Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, has introduced a new employee stock incentive plan aimed at addressing worker dissatisfaction and improving morale, especially as competitors like SpaceX offer more lucrative equity outcomes. The changes follow employee complaints about earlier stock option programs that often failed to pay out unless an IPO or company sale occurred, leaving many options effectively worthless. The revised plan expands payout triggers, such as external funding rounds and tender offers, and is intended to make compensation more competitive while retaining talent amid intense rivalry in the space industry.

ARTICLE
30 March 2026
AI MATURITY IN TOTAL REWARDS: WHERE COMPENSATION LEADERS SHOULD START
External News

Pave

Employee engagement
All plan types
USA

AI adoption in compensation and total rewards has moved beyond experimentation, with most professionals already using AI tools, but few organizations have developed the strategic infrastructure needed to fully realize their value. Companies progress through stages of AI maturity—from basic experimentation to advanced integration—depending on the strength of their data quality, governance, cross-functional alignment, and ability to measure impact. Organizations that build strong AI foundations can improve efficiency and decision-making, while those with immature adoption risk compliance issues, bias, low trust, and unreliable compensation outcomes.

ARTICLE
9 March 2026
YOUR OFFER LETTER IS YOUR FIRST COMPENSATION CONVERSATION—MAKE IT COUNT
External News

Pave

Communications
All plan types
USA

Many companies lose candidates at the offer stage because traditional static offer letters often fail to clearly communicate the full value of compensation, including equity and benefits. A well-designed, transparent offer letter that visually presents total compensation, explains equity potential, and highlights benefits can improve candidate understanding, reduce recruiter back-and-forth, and increase offer acceptance rates. As hiring costs continue to rise, companies that treat offer letters as a strategic communication tool rather than a formality gain a competitive advantage in attracting and closing top talent.

ARTICLE
26 March 2026
CAN AN ESOP INDEMNIFY YOU IN A TRANSACTION?
External News

Bricker Graydon 

Legal and regulatory
USA

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are governed by the strict fiduciary rules of Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which prohibit plan assets from being used to indemnify sellers, trustees, officers, or other parties because doing so would violate the exclusive benefit rule and participants’ retirement interests. Indemnification would also create prohibited transactions and fiduciary breaches, exposing trustees and other parties to significant legal and financial penalties. Instead, ESOP transactions use alternative risk-allocation tools such as company indemnities, representation and warranty insurance, seller-funded escrows, and purchase price adjustments to remain compliant while protecting employee benefits.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
22 September 2026, 10am - 5pm PDT
16TH ANNUAL NORCAL FORUM
norcal

San Mateo, CA 

All plan types
USA

Join your Bay Area equity compensation peers on 22 September at Pinstripes in San Mateo, CA! 

We're bringing you the latest insights on current industry trends and challenges. This is your golden opportunity to stay at the forefront of your field. But it's not just about learning; it's about connecting.

Meet us there to engage with your local NorCal chapter friends and other GEO members. Exchange ideas, build valuable relationships, and fuel your professional growth. 

It's more than an event; it's a vibrant community coming together to inspire, learn, and grow.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
13 August 2026, 4 - 6:30pm MDT
GREATER ROCKIES CHAPTER MEETING-TAYLORSVILLE
august utah

Taylorsville, UT

Trending now
All plan types
USA

Greater Rockies Chapter Equity Compensation Event and BBQ Social

We’re excited to invite you to a unique Greater Rockies Chapter gathering—an engaging and insightful session followed by a relaxed BBQ social. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and enjoy a more informal networking experience.

SPEAKERS: Lenka Haase, Fidelity; | Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies|  Amberly Fullmer, Reddit | Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley | Adam McDonald, Insightsoftware

Join us for a thought-provoking session designed to equip you with the latest insights and strategies in the ever-evolving world of equity compensation. We’ll explore key trends, best practices, and proven approaches to help you optimise your programmes and elevate your impact as an equity leader.

Expect practical, actionable takeaways that you can immediately apply to navigate challenges and drive meaningful results in your role.

A special thank you to Andrew Barrus and the Greater Rockies Chapter team for graciously hosting this event at Andrew’s home—creating a welcoming and collaborative environment for learning and connection.

Following the session, stay and unwind at our BBQ social. Food and drinks will be provided, and while you’re welcome to bring something to share, there’s absolutely no obligation—just come along, relax, and enjoy the conversation.

We look forward to seeing you there!

LOCATION
Andrew's House
1140 W Turnberry Way
Taylorsville, UT 84123

1140 W 4720 S, Taylorsville, UT

REGISTRATION AND COST
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. 
View the event attendee terms and conditions.

IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENT
28 May 2026, 12:30 - 2:30pm MDT
GREATER ROCKIES CHAPTER MEETING-SALT LAKE CITY
utah may

Salt Lake City, UT

Trending now
All plan types
USA

JOIN GEO IN SALT LAKE CITY: EQUITY COMPENSATION ROUNDTABLE AND NETWORKING

SPEAKERS: Lenka Haase, Fidelity; | Andrew Barrus, Procore Technologies | Amberly Fullmer, Reddit | Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley Adam McDonald, Insightsoftware

We’re pleased to invite you to an engaging afternoon in Salt Lake City, bringing together equity compensation professionals for a focused and collaborative discussion on the evolving landscape of our field.

Join us for an afternoon dedicated to exploring the latest developments in equity compensation. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of plan administration or aiming to stay ahead of regulatory changes, this session offers a valuable opportunity to step away from day-to-day demands and engage in high-level, strategic discussion with your peers.

Through an interactive roundtable format, you’ll gain fresh perspectives, share experiences, and walk away with practical insights to help you address current challenges and plan for what’s ahead.

Following the session, stay with us for networking and a relaxed social gathering—an ideal chance to continue the conversation and strengthen connections within the local community.

We look forward to welcoming you in Salt Lake City!

LOCATION
Fidelity Salt Lake Office
49 N 400 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

REGISTRATION AND COST
Members and non-members are welcome to attend. There is no cost for this chapter meeting, but registration is required. 

View the event attendee terms and conditions.