The 18th Annual NASPP Conference

September 20-23, 2010
Chicago
Workshop Descriptions

"Say-on-Pay" and Executive Compensation Reform

"Say-on-Pay": The Proxy Solicitors Speak
If your company hasn't already been forced into a "Say-on-Pay" vote, pending legislation in Congress—or shareholder pressure—is likely to force you into it soon. Prepare yourself now by attending this session led by a panel of proxy solicitors. Learn hot button issues that are sure to draw ire from shareholders, "must-haves" for executive pay packages, and how to put your best foot forward with shareholders to ensure their approval. Levels II and III.

• Arthur Crozier, Innisfree M&A
• David Drake, Georgeson
• Reid Pearson, The Altman Group
• Broc Romanek, TheCorporateCounsel.net

Offered as part of a double-session, with "'Say-on-Pay': Successfully Communicating Externally and Internally."

"Say-on-Pay": Successfully Communicating Externally and Internally
With "Say-on-Pay" votes becoming increasingly common and soon to be mandated, all companies need to strategize how to ensure shareholder approval of executive pay packages. Communication with shareholders will be a key part of this strategy. This panel will examine the perspectives of various shareholder populations—from employee owners to institutional investors—to guide you through the messaging needed to ensure your "Say-on-Pay" proposal receives the go-ahead. Levels I, II and III.

• Rachel Beck, Associated Press
• Sharyn Bilenker, Broadridge Financial Solutions
• Mary Louise Weber, Verizon Communications
• Broc Romanek, TheCorporateCounsel.net

Offered as part of a double-session, with "'Say-on-Pay': The Proxy Solicitors Speak."

The New Compensation Legislation: What to Do About "Say-on-Pay" and More
Executive compensation is at the heart of the imminent regulatory reforms from Congress, the IRS, and the SEC. This panel will look at how these new laws will impact stock compensation, including compensation strategies that encourage appropriate risk-taking, compensating executives for long-term—not short-term—growth, and other anticipated regulatory reforms. Levels II and III.

• Michael Kesner, Deloitte Consulting
• Mark Borges, Compensia
• Ning Chiu, Davis Polk & Wardwell

The Proxy Advisors & Investors Speak: Their Hot Button Issues and "Say-on-Pay"
Led by ISS' Pat McGurn and institutional investors, this session will provide the perspective you need to make sure your executive compensation packages pass muster with shareholders. Levels II and III.

• Pat McGurn, ISS
• Vineeta Anand, AFL-CIO
• Paul Hodgson, The Corporate Library

Hot Button Compensation Fixes: In Light of "Say-on-Pay"
Practical guidance on addressing the hottest issues shareholders are focused on today—don't go to shareholders with your "Say-on-Pay" package without this information. Levels II and III.

• George Paulin, Frederic W. Cook & Co.
• Robbi Fox, ExeQuity
• Ira Kay, Pay Governance
• Michael Kesner, Deloitte Consulting

The New Pay Ratio Requirement and Internal Pay Equity: What to Do
Understanding the new pay ratio calculation, including practical guidance on preparing for this ground-breaking new disclosure.

• Michael Kesner, Deloitte Consulting
• Mark Borges, Compensia
• Douglas Friske, Towers Watson

This Coming Year's Grants: How to Deal with Last Year's Inadvertent Gains
Many executives benefitted from last year's slump with larger grants that are now in-the-money. Find out how to address this situation before you have to explain it to shareholders. Levels II and III.

The Big Roundtable: Consultants, Directors and Top HR Heads
A no-holds-barred discussion by leading practitioners, HR heads, and Directors on the current state of executive compensation and what companies should be doing to address current criticisms of executive pay packages. Levels II and III.

Directors Speak Their Minds on Executive Compensation
A panel of respected Directors speak out on what they are doing about executive pay—and what all boards should be doing. Levels II and III.

Latest Legislative & Regulatory Developments

The IRS and Treasury Speak: Hot Tax Topics and Updates
Featuring key Treasury and IRS speakers–and always a favorite with Conference attendees–this session will focus on the difficult issues that have arisen during the past year as taxpayers comply with new laws, regulations and changes in government positions. The panelists will discuss recent developments, including reporting requirements for equity plans, the IRS's audit initiative relating to employment taxes, new more restrictive rules for executive compensation paid by certain entities, nonqualified deferred compensation law changes, and the recent IRS focus on reporting fringe benefits. In addition, this session will focus on how problems can be solved as companies discover that errors have been made, either through self-correction or voluntary disclosure to the IRS. Levels II and III.

• Helen Morrison, U.S. Department of the Treasury
• Stephen Tackney, IRS
• Elizabeth Drigotas, Deloitte Tax
• Deborah Walker, Deloitte Tax

Today's Hottest Topics in Stock Compensation
From rigorous new legislation to cutting-edge trends in compensation design, every year brings a host of late-breaking developments impacting stock plans. This session, featuring key thought leaders, will cover the latest hot topics in the world of stock compensation. To ensure that the session is as timely and relevant as possible, the actual topics to be covered and the panelists will not be announced until shortly before the Conference. Levels I, II and III.

Section 16 and Rule 144 Considerations in a Difficult Market
Today's volatile market and media criticisms of executive compensation have heightened the importance of having spotless Section 16 and Rule 144 procedures. Hear the leading authorities on Section 16 and Rule 144 discuss evolving case law, news from the plaintiffs' bar, recent reporting developments and guidance from the SEC on these complex and highly visible areas of compliance. Levels II and III.

• Peter Romeo, Hogan Lovells
• Alan Dye, Hogan Lovells
• Jesse Brill, NASPP
• Bob Barron, Independent Consultant

Key International Updates and Action Plans
International regulations change at the speed of light–have your stock plans kept pace? This expert panel will cover key tax and legal changes around the world–and provide you with a clear action plan of issues to consider and steps to take to address recent changes. The panel will focus on approaches and considerations for minimizing risk to the company and its employees as well as changes in regulations, case law and audit and enforcement activity that may warrant immediate steps to address existing corporate practices. Levels I, II and III.

• Ed Burmeister, Baker & McKenzie
• Cheryl Spielman, Ernst & Young
• Valerie Diamond, Baker & McKenzie
• Amit Banker, Ernst & Young

IRS Cost Basis Reporting: Are Your Stock Plans Ready?
Congress's 2008 "bailout bill" contained a little-noticed provision that substantially changes equity compensation tax reporting obligations. Beginning in 2011, brokers and administrators will be required to include the adjusted cost basis of securities on Form 1099-B and provide cost basis upon transfer of securities to a transfer agent or broker. This panel will provide stock plan administrators with the tools they need to fully understand, implement, and verify the new cost-basis rules for all forms of equity compensation. Levels I, II and III.

• Andrew Schwartz, BNY Mellon Shareowner Services
• Ellen Bocina, Fidelity Investments
• Steven Stark, American Airlines

Offered as part of a double-session, with "Section 6039 Reporting: Prepare Now Before It's Too Late."

Section 6039 Reporting: Prepare Now Before It's Too Late
Now that the regulations for Section 6039 are final, are you prepared to file returns with the IRS and update the statements that are distributed to employees? After a thorough review of the new regulations, this panel will walk you through the various IRS forms necessary to comply with this reporting obligation, along with procedures for filing the returns with the IRS and distributing corresponding statements to employees. Levels I, II and III.

• Ed Burmeister, Baker & McKenzie
• Raul Fajardo, QUALCOMM
• Barbara Richley, E*TRADE Corporate Services

Offered as part of a double-session, with "IRS Cost Basis Reporting: Are Your Stock Plans Ready?"

State-to-State Mobility: What State Are Your Employees In?
With many U.S. states facing budget crises, taxation of employees that move from one state to another is an increasingly hot topic. It is especially hot for stock plan transactions, where awards granted in one state can easily vest and pay out later, after employees have moved to another state. This critical and timely session will provide an overview of the multijurisdictional tax considerations and review legislation for the largest states. In addition, the panelists will highlight federal legislation that harmonizes taxation between states and discuss trends and best practices for compliance. Levels I, II and III.

• Carol Rutlen, Rutlen Associates
• Bill Dunn, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Offered as part of a double-session, with "Global Mobility: Are You Prepared for an IRS Audit?"

Global Mobility: Are You Prepared for an IRS Audit?
The IRS is increasing enforcement of tax withholding and reporting obligations for non-U.S. employees that perform services in the United States, including permanent transfers, temporary assignments, or even merely extended business trips. This panel, which includes the IRS executive leading the enforcement action, will review U.S. withholding and reporting requirements for non-U.S. employees, discuss the IRS audit process, and outline the voluntary disclosure program for noncompliance. The panel will offer insider tips for operational compliance and discuss what companies need to do now to get ready for a notice from an IRS auditor. Levels I, II and III.

• Lori Nichols, IRS
• Carol Rutlen, Rutlen Associates
• Bob Hartley, Sanmina-SCI

Offered as part of a double-session, with "State-to-State Mobility: What State Are Your Employees In?"

The Decline and Fall of the 280G Excise Tax Gross-Up: Managing Equity (and Other) Compensation After the Gross-Up Is Gone
Gross-ups for excess taxes under Section 280G are quickly becoming extinct–the excise tax, however, is here to stay. This panel will discuss why companies are eliminating gross-ups for change-in-control excise taxes, along with analyzing the latest market data regarding changes in the design of change-in-control compensation. The panelists will also offer practical suggestions for transitioning away from the gross-up, including ways to avoid the excise tax and losing the corporate tax deduction in connection with change-in-control compensation altogether. Levels II and III.

• Laura Thatcher, Alston & Bird
• Marshall Scott, Towers Watson
• Mike Cyran, Microsoft
• Terry Adamson, Radford

Plan Design & Redesign

Get the Lead Out: Ten Essential Stock Plan Updates
Have your stock plans kept pace with today's hot-button issues? Find out with this lively panel on the most critical issues for stock compensation programs. Topics will be keyed to late-breaking developments, but will include share counting language, Section 162(m) compliance, tax withholding challenges, net exercises, considerations for M&A, clawbacks and stock ownership guidelines, and delegation of approval authority. As a bonus, the panel will recommend specific language to address these topics in plan and award documents. Levels II and III.

• Wendy Davis, Cooley Godward Kronish
• Danielle Benderly, Perkins Coie
• Rick Hansen, Chevron

Risk Mitigation for Stock Compensation
With compensation risk management in the spotlight, virtually all companies are reevaluating their risk frameworks and associated risk mitigation features in their stock and incentive plans. Practices are clearly evolving relative to clawbacks, deferral features, holding period requirements, non-compete agreements, use of discretion, and other risk mitigation features. As new approaches are considered, there are numerous practical and technical considerations for plan sponsors to understand. This session will include a practical checklist of key considerations and pointers for those involved with the design or administration of stock plans. Levels II and III.

• David Johnson, Ernst & Young
• James Dougherty, Jones Day
• Paula Todd, Towers Watson

Conserving Share Usage Through Innovative Incentive Design
Are you feeling the crunch when it comes to share usage? Learn how to creatively design competitive incentive opportunities–and conserve share usage at the same time–from one of the world's largest insurance brokerage and risk management firms. Faced with a crisis in compensation strategy when shareholders voted down new share authorization–and struggling with a highly competitive talent market–Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. was forced into a radical overhaul of its long-term incentive programs. The new portfolio includes cash alternatives that mirror the risk and rewards of stock and deferred arrangements. Find out if these alternatives can ease pressure on your own share reserves, as well as learn tips for design and implementation. Levels II and III.

• Myrna Hellerman, Sibson Consulting
• Jonathan Minor, Sibson Consulting
• Thomas Paleka, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Equity Awards in a Highly Volatile World
High volatility creates unique challenges for stock compensation; traditional arrangements are likely to result in high cost for possibly little or no benefit. This session will compare restricted stock, options, capped options, and relative market-based awards–along with cutting-edge designs such as transferable options and hedging techniques–to assess how volatility and other factors markedly impact reward characteristics in relation to expense. Our experienced panel will consider these new and innovative solutions from multiple perspectives–accounting, compensation strategy, legal and proxy advisory–to determine those that are best suited to a volatile and uncertain environment. Levels II and III.

• Fred Whittlesey, Hay Group
• Peter Suzman, FAS123 Solutions
• Arthur Kohn, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton
• Greg Taxin, Soundboard Review Services

After the Hype: The Real World Impact of RSUs vs. Stock Options
Almost all companies have incorporated RSUs into their stock award programs–and with the downturn in the stock markets and the glut of underwater options, this may seem like a good decision. But has this decision really benefited both companies and employees? This panel will address this key issue, first looking at regulatory, personnel and administrative issues applicable to both types of arrangements–and then focusing on the actual costs and other impacts of the different award types, as well as comparing benefits delivered under each type of program to evaluate whether RSUs or options meet retention and incentive goals. Levels I, II and III.

• Craig Tanner, Reed Smith
• Marlene Zobayan, Rutlen Associates
• Patricia Boepple, Global Shares
• Matt Pera, Electronic Arts

Performance Equity: Not Just for Executives Anymore!
Performance-based plans are currently one of the hottest trends in stock compensation, with more companies offering these awards and extending them deeper into the organization, below executive and senior management levels. This lively panel–which will benefit from the insights of two issuers with performance plans–will offer practical solutions to the challenges presented by performance awards to non-executives, from preservation of line-of-site between employee behaviors and company-wide results to administering and communicating the terms of the awards. Special focus will be given to appropriate metrics for broad-based programs, including tradeoffs between traditional financial/operational metrics and more cutting-edge approaches like relative total shareholder return and absolute market conditions. Levels II and III.

• Brett Harsen, Radford
• Jon Burg, Radford
• Craig Kams, Skyworks Solutions
• Billy Vitense, Starbucks Coffee Company

Thinking Outside the Equity Compensation Box
This session will offer a provocative look at the purposes of equity compensation and whether traditional equity awards are serving those purposes. Creative forms of equity compensation–such as equity choice programs, buy-one-get-one programs, self-terminating underwater options, and nonqualified ESPPs–will be identified and explained and practical guidance will be offered regarding the legal and administrative challenges of these innovative awards. You will walk away with an analysis of when cutting-edge equity awards serve compensation strategies better than traditional awards, along with practical strategies for implementation. Levels II and III.

• Amy Muecke, Cooley Godward Kronish
• Takis Makridis, Equity Methods
• Pat McGurn, ISS
• Douglas Friske, Towers Watson

A Successful Journey: Creating a State-of-the-Art Equity Plan
Don't miss this exciting tale: W.W. Grainger will share its incredible year-long journey of creating a new equity plan, working with proxy advisors, and ultimately receiving shareholder approval for the plan. This presentation is a "must" for any company designing a new equity plan or seeking shareholder approval of a new plan–you'll likely encounter the same obstacles that Grainger successfully navigated. Our veteran panelists will illustrate how to lay out a project plan, address institutional investor agendas, consider ISS policies, and increase the likelihood that shareholders will approve your proposal. Levels II and III.

• Scott Witz, W.W. Grainger
• Ed Hauder, ExeQuity
• Reid Pearson, The Altman Group

Key Fixes for Today's Stock Plans: Clawbacks, Double-Triggers, and Hold-through-Retirement
This presentation will take a fresh look at three key fixes for stock compensation programs–clawback provisions, double-triggers for change-in-control provisions, and hold-through retirement policies. Beginning with a snapshot of current practices, the panel will proceed to an in-depth look at the real-world issues these policies raise–and offer specific suggestions on how to draft and implement them. Levels II and III.

• Barbara-Ann Gustaferro, Faegre & Benson
• Louis Rorimer, Jones Day
• Mike Melbinger, Winston & Strawn

Best Practices in Equity Compensation

Grant Practices–The Good, the Bad and the Outright Dangerous
Grant practices are often a patchwork of one-off solutions: some of which compromise efficiency while others can be potentially disastrous. This session will address practices that work well, to be wary of, and top ten practices to avoid at all costs–from the initial grant recommendation through the delivery of grant materials and beyond. Topics to be covered include board action and delegation of authority, grant policies, communication and documentation, and electronic delivery and acceptance. Levels I, II, and III.

• June Anne Burke, Baker & McKenzie
• Richard Reilly, Baker & McKenzie
• Michael Greco, Alexion Pharmaceuticals
• Marsha Tepper, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

How to Develop a Highly Effective Relationship With Your Board Compensation Committee
Now more than ever before, compensation committees are burdened with an ever-increasing workload as their scope of responsibility expands to include new challenges, such as compensation risk assessment and responding to input from shareholders (e.g., "Say-on-Pay"). In addition, these committees are struggling with their new prominence within their own companies, as well as within the public eye. This expert panel will describe the steps to take to help the committee make well-informed and considered decisions on performance evaluation, goal-setting, performance measure selection, pay level determination, incentive design and other issues. Levels II and III.

• Don Delves, The Delves Group
• Donna Jennings, DeVry
• Rick Hansen, Chevron
• Miles Meyer, Kellogg

Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans: Practical Design and Implementation
Rule 10b5-1 trading plans have become a key compliance tool for companies, but, a host of legal and business pitfalls can sabotage poorly designed or executed plans. This panel brings together the legal, administrative and brokerage firm perspectives that are necessary to make a Rule 10b5-1 trading program successful. Levels II and III.

• Mike Andresino, Posternak Blankstein & Lund
• Tami Bohm, Radian Group
• Geir Fjugstad, Credit Suisse Securities
• Ron Mueller, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher

"Everyone Should Participate Plans": How to Drive ESPP Participation
Learn how to make your ESPP be all that it can be. This panel will demonstrate practical ways to tailor plan designs and to use communication and educational materials to realize the desired goals of your ESPP–increased employee engagement, retention, and job satisfaction. The panel will also review industry trends, focusing on how issuers are handling ESPP tax complexities in light of recent Section 423, Section 6039 and cost-basis regulatory changes and their collective impact on employee education. It will also address the challenges of managing multinational plans. Levels I, II and III.

• Peter Simeonidis, Deloitte Tax
• Cara McKenna, Fidelity Investments
• Billy Vitense, Starbucks Coffee Company

Global Hotspots: How to Navigate Problem Countries

The grants have been approved. The documents seem to be in order. We've anticipated every..t..h..i..n…g–uh oh! This session will highlight the current legal and administrative "red flag" issues that impact stock awards around the globe and will discuss cost-effective solutions for problem countries such as Australia, India, the UK and other countries. These seasoned panelists will share their "been-there-done-that" experiences and strategies for navigating existing complex legal issues as well as how to prepare for the next round of challenges on the horizon. Levels I, II and III.

• Jon Doyle, International Law Partners
• Wendy Jennings, Riverbed Technology
• Suzie Bentley, NVIDIA

Offered as part of a double-session, with "Experiences of Equity Compensation in China: Tales from the PRC."

Equity Compensation in China: Tales from the PRC

As more U.S. companies expand into China, the need to comply with SAFE regulations as laid out in Circular 78 is more important than ever. This innovative panel will use a case study of Microsoft to examine key challenges to a successful SAFE registration, including corporate filings; data on historical activity in the plan; implementation of a foreign exchange account; and funds repatriation. In addition, the panel will review the ongoing challenges Microsoft faces and their employee communications strategy. Finally, the panel will highlight U.S. withholding and reporting requirements for equity awards to mobile employees, preparing for an audit, and practical implementation issues. Levels I, II and III.

• June Anne Burke, Baker & McKenzie
• Matthew Connor, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
• Kelley Garrett, Microsoft

Offered as part of a double-session, with "Global Hotspots: How to Navigate Problem Countries."

Accounting, Auditing & Controls

IFRS From "2" Perspectives
IFRS is coming and it's likely the options and awards you are granting today will be subject to this standard. Make sure you are ready with the practical guidance provided in this presentation. Our expert panelists will discuss real-world considerations for adopting IFRS 2–featuring an issuer's perspective to implementing the standard as part of its conversion to IFRS for its worldwide subsidiaries–and will analyze the latest data regarding implementation practices. Levels II and III.

• Chuong Pham, Deloitte Tax
• Aaron Anderson, IBM
• Matthew Roberts, Fidelity Investments
• Shan Nemeth, Deloitte & Touche

Thinking and Acting Like an Auditor
Learn how to put your best foot forward with your auditors! This workshop will illustrate how auditors approach equity compensation and structure an audit, including what questions they ask, how they arrive at assurance, and the testing procedures they employ. As award designs grow in complexity and auditors become more meticulous in their review procedures, this session is a "must" for any equity compensation professional who interacts with external auditors. Levels I, II and III.

• Takis Makridis, Equity Methods
• Danielle Kaneski, Deloitte & Touche
• Darrin Short, Equinix
• Martin Hirsch, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Offered as part of a double-session, with "Face Your Demons: How You and Your Lawyers Can Work Together More Effectively."

Finding and Foiling Fraud in Equity Compensation Plans
Options misdating, spring-loading, pre-merger grants–you can't pick up a paper without seeing evidence of the latest "scandal" in equity compensation. But how do you prevent fraud–or find it and stop it if you can't–in stock plans? And how do you begin to unravel it when you find it–without ruffling feathers or jeopardizing your own job? Our expert panel will review various types of fraud–including a case study of a significant fraud case–along with best practices and key controls to help your company avoid becoming a target in the next equity compensation scandal. Levels II and III.

• Jennifer Namazi, Stock & Option Solutions
• Laura Reis, Stock & Option Solutions
• Kristin Rivera, PricewaterhouseCoopers

Beyond the Basics: Tax Accounting for Stock Compensation
For those looking for more than the basics when it comes to income tax accounting for equity, this panel will focus on the detail you need to complete the income tax accounting journal entries each quarter and track reported vs. actual tax differences related to equity compensation. The session will include in-the-trenches tips from a tax professional with responsibility for completing both the journal entries and the tax provision software entries. Levels II and III.

• Bill Murphy, Ernst & Young
• Peter Gutshall, AOL
• John Domenick, Ernst & Young

Financial Reporting Essentials that Every Stock Plan Professional Needs to Know
Learn to speak "accounting" and improve your relationship with your finance department! You will walk away with a solid understanding of what the finance department does, why they ask for specific data, how they use that data and your role in the overall process. Our experienced panel will also provide tips, tricks and best practices for establishing a good working relationship with your finance group. Levels I and II.

• Jennifer Baehr, Transcentive
• Barbara Richley, E*TRADE Corporate Services
• Lauren Downes, Advent Software
• Alan Bishop, El Paso Corporation

When You're Big and You Know It: Top 10 Accounting/Tax Risks in a Multinational
With each country that your company expands operations and equity compensation into, your accounting and tax risk increases exponentially. This session examines ten often overlooked areas of high risk for multinational companies, including complexities in allocating stock plan expense, post-dated transactions, adopting IRFS for foreign subsidiaries, employee mobility, and deferred tax accounting under both U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Our panelists will highlight practical solutions to these challenges as well as forecasting new challenges on the horizon that you need to prepare for now. Levels II and III.

• Marlene Zobayan, Rutlen Associates
• Takis Makridis, Equity Methods
• Ellie Kehmeier, Creekview Consulting
• Jeff Hulsey, Charles Schwab

Administration & Communication Practices

Night of the Living Dead: Equity Compensation Horror Stories–The Sequel!
After last year's premier received an enthusiastic "two thumbs up," the producer just can't stay away from this cult classic. "Night of the Living Dead: Equity Compensation Horror Stories" is back with a fresh cast of characters and a new line-up of horror stories. Robyn Shutak of the NASPP, starring in "Revenge of the Undead(lines)," has tales of ESPP horrors that will keep you up at night. Lydia Terrill of Chordiant, and featured in "Attack of the HR Zombies," will chill you with HR stories of your worst nightmares. And Kimberly Hackman of Starbucks, appearing in "I Know What You Did Last Fiscal Period," will set you on edge with tales you just can't believe. Learn to steer clear of these dangers with this panel's recommendations on how to avoid similar misfortune. Levels I, II and III.

• Emily Cervino, CEP Institute
• Robyn Shutak, NASPP
• Lydia Terrill, Chordiant Software
• Kimberly Hackman, Starbucks Coffee Company

Face Your Demons: How You and Your Lawyers Can Work Together More Effectively
Despite some nasty rumors, stock plan lawyers aren't evil incarnate. Our talented panel will use role playing to illustrate how you how you can solicit more proactive legal advice, get great business advice, and help your lawyers help you–and will show how your lawyers can help you secure better vendor service agreements and reduce your exposure to audits and litigation. You'll leave this session with the tools to secure more creative, timely and action-oriented legal advice and turn your lawyers from demons to guardian angels. Levels I, II and III.

• Art Meyers, Choate Hall & Stewart
• Gordon Klepper, Marriott International
• Thaddeus Shepherd, Marriott International
• Boyd Brown, Intel

Offered as part of a double-session, with "Thinking and Acting Like an Auditor."

Smart Solutions for Stock Plan Administration on a Budget
You can't do it all yourself–but what if you have to? This panel of experts from "one-person" stock plan administration departments will provide tested solutions for successful stock plan administration without increasing legal or consulting fees. The panel will also provide tips on day-to-day administration, legal and accounting compliance, managing special projects–and how to demonstrate to your boss that your role is key to good corporate governance and should not be underestimated. This presentation will be beneficial to "lone" equity managers and those in companies that continue to cut back on personnel and financial resources. Levels I and II.

• Lydia Terrill, Chordiant Software
• Winny van Veeren, Vanveeren Consulting
• Susan Berry, Magma Design Automation
• Miranda Garcia, Zynga Game Network

Tying the Knot: Mergers and Acquisitions for Stock Plan Administrators
Don't walk down the aisle to M&A bliss unprepared; there is a long checklist of key tasks that must be performed before the big event, including due diligence, data integration, accounting considerations, and employee communications. Presented in an entertaining "talk-radio" format, this session will cover the nuts & bolts of what you need to do to make sure your big day–the merger closing–runs smoothly and leads to a long and successful union of stock plans. Levels I, II and III.

• Wendy Davis, Cooley Godward Kronish
• Paz Dizon, Gilead Sciences
• Wendy Jennings, Riverbed Technology
• Matthew Johnson, Sidley Austin

Effective Electronic Education and Communication
Electronic employee communication is obviously here–and here to stay–but which methods are most effective? With years of experience in employee communication, this panel will examine a wide spectrum of communication mediums–email, websites, online surveys, IM, tweets, social networking sites, and blogs–to determine which can best get your message across and make your information most accessible, as well as how you can use each to your advantage and avoid common mistakes. The session will also provide specific examples of electronic communications you may not have considered, including mobility and disposition surveys and collection of consent for distribution of new Forms 3921 and 3922 electronically. Levels I, II and III.

• John Korinek, PartnerComm
• Carrie Kovac, Symantec
• Jennifer Namazi, Stock & Option Solutions
• Stacy Fox, Yahoo!

QUALCOMM and Microsoft: Gold Standards in Employee Communication
Take an inside look at the top-notch employee communication programs of QUALCOMM and Microsoft. From introduction of a new plan to online grant distribution, broker selection and ESPP tax statements, this session will include an intensive review of both companies' stock plan communication and education programs, including use of intranets and electronic communications, mail lists and mass emails, dedicated stock administration websites, and other innovative tools. Levels I and II.

• Raul Fajardo, QUALCOMM
• Jennie Anderson, Microsoft
• Rachel Murillo, NASPP

Proxy Statements 101 for Stock Plan Administrators
Significant changes in executive compensation disclosure requirements have intensified interest in equity compensation disclosure, making it more important than ever for stock plan administrators to take an active role in the process of drafting the proxy statement. Geared specifically to non-lawyers, this workshop will increase your understanding of the SEC's requirements and demonstrate the critical responsibilities you now have in preparing and reviewing the disclosures. Walk through a sample proxy statement outline, a detailed review of the equity compensation items (including checklists of potential disclosures), tricky calculations and grey areas, and a sample time and responsibility schedule. Levels I and II.

• Wendy Davis, Cooley Godward Kronish
• Danielle Benderly, Perkins Coie
• Rick Hansen, Chevron
• Rebecca Peters, NVIDI

You Asked for It Again: Hot Topics from NASPP's "Global Stock Plans Q&A Discussion Forum"
A perennial favorite of Conference attendees, this panel lines up top consultants from the NASPP's Global Stock Plans Task Force to address today's hottest questions and most difficult challenges for global stock plans. This interactive panel will address the questions you submit in advance–email your questions to global@naspp.com–and the most controversial topics posted on the NASPP's "Global Stock Plans Q&A Discussion Forum." Levels I, II and III.

• Louis Rorimer, Jones Day
• Peter Simeonidis, Deloitte Tax
• Julie Rumberger, PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Nicholas Greenacre, White & Case

Stop the Spreadsheet Madness: Getting Your Systems to Do What You Need
A recent NASPP survey shows that 76% of respondents use Excel to calculate final numbers used in Forms 10-Q or 10-K. But spreadsheets are labor-intensive, error-prone, difficult to control, and troublesome for SOX audits–the last thing you want to rely on for public financial reports. Using real-world scenarios, this session will show you how solutions, such as Crystal Reports, Microsoft Access and spreadsheet macros, can stop the madness and automate reporting, data exchange, and other critical stock plan data processes. You'll sleep easier–and have more time for sleep–knowing that your reporting processes are secure and accurate. Levels I, II and III.

• Elizabeth Dodge, Stock & Option Solutions
• Steve Gaylord, Stock & Option Solutions
• Paz Dizon, Gilead Sciences
• Kimberly Steele, First Solar