GPA Payroll Symposium
Date: 5th November 2024
Time: 13.00pm - 5.00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Shangri-La Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Rd Near Financial Metro Station - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Join us on 5th November in Dubai for the GPA Payroll Leadership Symposium, focusing on the Complexities of Payroll Globally and within the GCC region. This free event will explore how strategic payroll leadership can drive organisational success by aligning payroll strategies with overall business goals.
Key discussions will include the latest HR & Payroll Legislation updates, adapting to transformations, and understanding the impact of AI and Earned Wage Access (daily pay), on payroll operations and the employee experience. We will round up the day with a panel discussion on How advancements in technology will influence the future role of payroll leaders
Gain valuable insights, connect with industry experts, and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the evolving business landscape. We look forward to seeing you there!
Session One
The GPA: Who We Are and What’s Ahead in 2026
Join the GPA team for an update on our mission, growth, and what’s next in 2026. Discover upcoming initiatives, events, and opportunities to connect and shape the future of the global payroll community.
Speaker: Melanie Pizzey, CEO @ GPA
REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS
NETWORKING AND REFRESHMENTS
Session Two
Hire Smart. Keep Payroll Strong.
Ann-Catrine Heidmark began her career in finance, but over the years has built broad experience in recruitment, consulting, and interim management — both strategically and operationally. Having recruited for her own teams as well as for others, she knows firsthand how rewarding — and challenging — it can be to find the right people.
For several years, she has also run the Club Executive networking groups for executives and specialists, and recently expanded her company, Heidmark & Partners AB, to focus on recruitment and consulting services.And the best part? Ann-Catrine is looking forward to sharing her insights and experiences on how to attract, recruit, and retain the right talent.
Speaker: Ann-Catrine Heidmark, CEO @ Heidmark & Partners AB
Session Three
Navigating the Complexities of Cross-Border Payroll Payments
Managing payroll payments across multiple countries is one of the most intricate and high-stakes challenges facing global organisations today. From differing banking infrastructures and currency fluctuations to compliance with local regulations and data security requirements, every cross-border transaction carries potential risks.
In this fireside chat, our experts will unpack the realities of paying a global workforce — exploring the operational, regulatory, and technological factors that shape successful international payroll payment strategies. Gain insights into common pitfalls, innovative solutions, and practical steps to streamline processes, reduce errors, and ensure employees everywhere are paid accurately and on time.
David Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer @ Transfermate
The Agenda
The Speakers
The Venue
Shangri-La Dubai
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 75880 United Arab Emirates
Phone: (971 4) 343 8888
E-mail: sldb@shangri-la.com
Public Transportation
Financial Centre Metro Station - 0.45 kilometers
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station - 1.00 kilometers
Emirates Towers Metro Station - 1.30 kilometers
World Trade Centre Metro Station - 2.30 kilometers
Business Bay Metro Station - 2.50 kilometers
The Sponsor
TransferMate is an international payments solution that helps companies save thousands on global payroll payments. TransferMate also integrates with the most popular accounting and payroll software, so it’s even easier and faster to pay your international employees.
Melanie Pizzey
CEO
Global Payroll Alliance
David Hughes
Chief Commercial Officer
Transfermate
Ann-Catrine Heidmark
CEO
Heidmark & Partners AB
Zennie Sjolund
Payroll Champion
Srf Konsulterna
Stuart Hyland
Partners
Ellason LLP
GPA Payroll Symposium
Date: 25th November 2025
Time: 8.00am - 12.00pm
Cost: FREE
Location: Västra Trädgårdsgatan 15, 111 53 Stockholm, Sweden
Join us where Payroll & HR professionals will come together for a morning of insightful discussions, networking, and collaboration.. Whether you’re reconnecting with familiar faces or expanding your network with new industry peers, this symposium offers a unique platform to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and stay ahead in the evolving payroll landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and build meaningful connections in a vibrant professional setting!
The Venue
Västra Trädgårdsgatan 15
Address:
111 53 Stockholm, Sweden
Session Four
Pay Transparency Unpacked: What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Pay transparency is rapidly reshaping the way organisations think about compensation, equity, and employee trust. As new legislation rolls out across regions and employee expectations evolve, payroll and HR professionals are at the forefront of this transformation. Understanding what’s required — and how to communicate pay data responsibly has never been more important.
In this session, Zennie Sjolund and Stuart Hyland unpack the latest developments in pay transparency, exploring how organisations can balance compliance with fairness and clarity. They’ll share insights into what’s driving these global changes, how businesses are adapting, and what this means for the future of pay, engagement, and talent retention.
Speakers Stuart Hyland, Partner @ Ellason LLP
Zennie Sjolund - Payroll Champion - Srf Konsulterna