The NASPP Blog

What a fantastic Conference! It’s hard to believe that the week went by so quickly.

I was really impressed with the content in each of the sessions I was able to attend, and I wished I could have been in several places at once. I will absolutely be listening to the recorded sessions to catch up on what I missed! Don’t forget, this isn’t a special privilege for NASPP employees only–this year you can opt to purchase all the audio or just your top sessions and listen in at your own computer. Since the session audio is in MP3 format this year, you could even download it to your iPod and listen on the way to work!

I’d like to share some highlights with you (Click each thumbnail to see a full-size version of the picture.)…

Conference participation was so high that every session was well-attended. Some were even “standing-room” only even after we added repeat session times for them. This is the “You Really Asked for It! Hot Topics From the NASPP’s “Global Stock Plans Q&A Discussion Forum” session.

One of the best perks of attending the Conference is the opportunity to ask the expert speakers questions after their session. These attendees are talking to the panelist from the “IFRS–A Lesson in Implementation” session.

Our Exhibitor Hall was full of the top service providers for all facets of equity compensation. It is the perfect chance to meet with them and find out more about the services they offer or even get a demo of the latest software developments. And, everyone loves to collect the really cool tchotchkes that are available! These fabulous wine bottle bags (perfect for a visit to San Francisco) from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

The fun never stops in the Exhibitor Hall! With special drawings, competitions, and prizes, there’s always something fun to see. This is the Relative TSR pig race at the Radford/Aon booth. Ten extra points to anyone who can name the movie or TV show that each of the companies represented by these little racers can be found on. To save your eyes, I’ll list them for you: Initech (green), Duke & Duke (red), Vandelay Industries (blue), Acme (purple), and Duff Beer (pink). What’s the relevance of a relative TSR pig race, you ask? Well, join us on our webcast planned for next March, “A Closer Look at Leading-Edge Performance-Based Plans.”

And, speaking of fun, the after-hours events offer attendees the chance to network while enjoying fantastic food and fun. Deloitte treated clients to an evening of cabaret and great food at Teatro ZinZanni. Here Mark “Boris” Miller of Deloitte Tax participates in the show by acting the part of a Russian waiter. Mark gave one of the best presentations we’ve seen on recharge arrangements at a recent NASPP chapter meeting, but we never knew he was “charged” with such great acting skills.

 It was great to see everyone who was able to attend this year–I’m already looking forward to next year!

-Rachel