1.4 Big Ideas, Wherever You Are: Equity Hacks for a Smarter, Smoother Global Journey

From the first spark of a global equity plan to the ongoing effort of keeping it running smoothly, this session delivers expert insights and practical strategies to help you navigate every stage of the equity lifecycle. Whether you’re launching your first all-employee plan or refining a mature program, our panel will share lessons learned, best practices, and game-changing ideas that make equity programs more effective—for both your workforce and your organization.
Attendees will explore high-impact approaches to plan design and administration, while also tackling the operational realities of managing global equity. Expect actionable tips, tools, and real-world stories covering the full lifecycle—from initial plan design to vesting, tax education, and benefits integration.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn strategies to create equity programs that balance compliance, administrative efficiency, and meaningful employee impact.
  • Explore practical approaches to streamline operations, including FMV definitions, fractional shares, and smarter tax withholding strategies.
  • Discover how to integrate equity with benefits, leverage expert partners, and maximize the overall impact of your programs.
Speaker/Author

Evans Longacre, Fidelity (US)
Jayme Brest, AT&T (US)
Christy Browning, Dell (US)
 

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 13:30 - 14:30
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 4
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O

1.3 Smarter Equity Education: Harnessing AI for Inclusive Learning

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how companies educate employees about equity compensation. When used thoughtfully, AI can personalize learning, improve comprehension, and scale education across a global workforce—helping employees better understand and engage with their equity benefits without overwhelming internal teams.
This session focuses on practical, responsible ways to integrate AI into equity education. Speakers will share real-world examples of AI-powered tools—such as adaptive learning modules, chatbots, and dynamic FAQs—while addressing critical considerations around bias, ethics, and governance. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for leveraging AI to enhance equity education while preserving transparency, trust, and the human element.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how AI can tailor equity content to different roles, regions, and learning styles without increasing administrative burden.
  • Understand key ethical and governance guardrails to mitigate bias, protect data, and maintain employee trust.
  • Explore real examples of AI-driven equity education tools that improve understanding, reduce support costs, and scale globally.
Speaker/Author

Sara Shoaf, Charles Schwab (US)
Sam George, Lyft (US)
Rebecca Kargl, FGE, Upstart (US)
Jesus Renteria, Baker Tilly (US)

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 13:30 - 14:30
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 3
Field of Study
Information Technology
Level
O

1.1 Equity for All? The Great Debate on the Future of Equity Ownership in the Workplace

As the war for talent intensifies, the debate around broad-based equity compensation has never been more critical. Should equity remain a benefit for a select few, or is it time to embrace a more inclusive approach? This high-energy, debate-style panel brings together leaders from companies on both sides of the issue—those championing broad-based equity programs and those adhering to traditional models.

Grounded in fresh survey data and real-world case studies, this session explores the long-term impact of equity programs on retention, employee engagement, and organizational culture. Expect lively discussion, tough questions, and actionable insights as panelists challenge conventional thinking and explore the future of employee ownership.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand how inclusive equity programs affect retention, engagement, and company culture.
  • Explore the advantages and challenges of broad-based programs versus equity reserved for a select group.
  • Gain practical insights for designing equity programs that align with your workforce strategy and talent goals.
Speaker/Author

Danielle Roseland, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)
Jackie Dowling, Seagate Technology (US)
Lori Giardina, Block (US)
Bill Castellano, Rutgers University (US)
Mai Lan, Micron Technology (US)

Event date
Tuesday, 21 Apr 2026, 13:30 - 14:30
Country
Breakout series
Location
JW Grand Salon 1
Field of Study
Specialized Knowledge
Level
O
LIVE WEBCAST
14 August 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
Bridging the Talent Gap in Equity Management: Smart Strategies for a Stronger Future
webcast

Donna Bell, insightsoftware
Michael Mauro, insightsoftware

Design and strategy
Employee engagement
All plan types
Global

The equity compensation industry is facing a critical talent shortage—with more than 60% of finance teams struggling to hire qualified professionals and a shrinking pool of experienced talent creating long-term risks for business continuity. This timely webinar explores how organizations can proactively address this challenge by developing scalable strategies to attract, grow, and retain top equity talent.

Join us to discover how strategic career development, succession planning, and emerging technologies can future-proof your equity programs and ensure long-term success. Whether you're leading a team or building one, walk away with proven approaches to elevate your equity function in a competitive market.
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Understand the root causes of the talent gap and how it's impacting equity functions across industries
  • Explore practical strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining skilled equity professionals
  • Learn how to leverage automation and technology to optimize workflows and reduce dependency on hard-to-fill roles

 

 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.

ATTENDEE COST:
Members: $0
Non-Members - $85

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

LIVE WEBCAST
20 May 2025, 1 - 2pm EDT
MASTERING MOBILITY: TACKLING PAYROLL TAX CHALLENGES FOR MOBILE EMPLOYEES
20 May

Marelene Zobayan, Rutlen Associates, Andrea Kagan, NVIDIA, Marianne Friebel, Dolby

Design and strategy
Employee engagement
All plan types
Global

Navigating payroll tax obligations for mobile employees is a complex challenge, often complicated by unreliable data, payroll system limitations, and employee expectations. Without a solid strategy, compliance risks and administrative headaches can quickly pile up.
Join this expert panel to uncover common pitfalls and practical solutions for streamlining mobility tax compliance. Learn how to clean up key data, navigate payroll constraints, and implement best practices to minimize surprises and improve the employee experience.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Educate internal stakeholders to align expectations and improve compliance.
  • Navigate payroll system limitations and enhance communication with payroll teams.
  • Manage unexpected tax outcomes, including double social security taxation, with proactive planning.

 

WE ARE OFFERING THE FOLLOWING OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN THIS LIVE GLOBAL WEBCAST: 

ASIA-PAC: 19 May - 9am AEDT
EUROPE: 20 May- 10am GMT | 11am CET | 12pm IST
THE AMERICAS: 19 May - 4pm PT | 7pm ET – 20 May - 10am PT | 12pm CT | 1pm ET | 6pm GMT

 

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.

LIVE WEBCAST
13 February 2025, 1 - 2pm EST
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS IN MODERN EQUITY ADMINSTRATION
webcast

Hannah McCullough, insightsoftware | Dan Mullen, insightsoftware

Employee engagement
All plan types
Global

In today’s dynamic equity compensation landscape, partnerships and collaborative networks are key to delivering scalable, efficient, and client-centric solutions. Sponsored by Insightsoftware, this engaging session explores how robust partner and relationship networks enhance equity plan management.

Discover how insightsoftware's approach to partnerships creates a seamless experience for administrators and participants alike, while addressing the challenges of growth and complexity. This session offers actionable insights to help you build stronger relationships and create value through innovative solutions.

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Explore scalable solutions that adapt to growing organizational needs, enabling the delivery of premium equity management services through a network of flexible relationships.
  • Uncover strategies for enhancing administrative efficiency and navigating complexities through collaboration and the optimization of existing processes.
  • Learn how leveraging partnerships can drive sustainable growth, improve client retention, and elevate the overall participant experience.


We are providing three different opportunities to join this webinar. 

ASIA-PAC - 10am AEDT | 2/12 6pm ET | 3pm PT
EUROPE - 10am GMT | 11am CET | 1pm IST
THE AMERICAS - 10am PT | 12pm CT | 1pm ET | 6pm GMT

 

COST
GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85 

Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!

*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

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.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

ARTICLE
1 December 2024
SALARY SACRIFICE PLANS MAINTAIN MOMENTUM IN ANZ
External News

Computershare

Employee engagement
Employee stock purchase plans (ESPP)
Australia

Despite economic pressures from rising interest rates and inflation, participation in salary sacrifice employee share plans has remained strong, as revealed by a Computershare analysis across ANZ clients. Key factors driving this resilience include the simplicity of automatic salary deductions, tax benefits, and employer matching contributions, which together make these plans appealing long-term investments. For employers, the sustained popularity of these plans highlights their value as a tool for boosting engagement, fostering a sense of ownership, and enhancing employee compensation packages to attract and retain talent.

ARTICLE
5 December 2024
ARCONTECH AWARDS STOCK OPTIONS TO KEY EMPLOYEE
External News

Investing

Employee engagement
Executive plans
USA

Arcontech Group PLC has granted 30,000 stock options to Mark Maguire, Head of Customer Support, under its Employee Stock Option Plan, with an exercise price of 125.5 pence per share and a vesting date of June 30, 2027. This brings the total outstanding options to 610,500, representing 4.5% of the company’s issued share capital, with earnings calculations based on a consistent 19% UK corporation tax rate. The grant, which lacks performance criteria, reflects a strategic focus on long-term employee retention and alignment with shareholder interests while balancing potential dilution with the benefits of enhanced employee motivation.

LIVE WEBCAST
31 October 2024, 8 - 9am EDT
EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES WITH EFFECTIVE EQUITY COMMUNICATION
Webcast

BONNIE GRASSMAN, INSIGHTSOFTWARE 
DINA THEISSEN, INSIGHTSOFTWARE 
KATIE GRAFFIS, NELNET

Communications
Employee engagement
All plan types
USA

Are you looking to improve how your company communicates about its equity plans? Join experts from insightsoftware and Nelnet as they share proven strategies to engage employees and build trust in your equity programs. 
 

KEY LEARNING POINTS:

  • Learn how to customize messaging to meet your employees’ unique needs and address common equity plan questions.
  • Discover how to use technology for real-time access to equity information, enhancing transparency and employee engagement.
  • Explore effective techniques to ensure your employees fully understand and appreciate the value of their equity benefits.


COST

GEO members: No charge
GEO non-members*: $85
Become a GEO member to attend webcasts for free in the future!
*Fees are non-refundable. Recordings are available to access on-demand following the webcast.

CPE Credit Hours: 1.0*
Field of Study: Communications and Marketing
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.

REGISTER TO ATTEND
Registration is required. Connection and login instructions are sent to registered participants prior to this webcast.

ARTICLE
23 May 2024
Leaked OpenAI documents reveal aggressive tactics toward former employees
External News

Vox

Employee engagement
All plan types
USA

Vox reported that OpenAI pressured departing employees to sign restrictive exit documents by threatening to withhold vested equity, a practice uncommon in Silicon Valley. Despite claims of ignorance by OpenAI leadership, internal documents suggest key executives, including CEO Sam Altman, were aware of these provisions. Following backlash, OpenAI has apologized and committed to changing their policies, including removing nondisparagement clauses and ensuring former employees' equity rights are respected.