Renewal
★ 4th Annual
Save the Date

Benefits Innovation
Forum 2026

When
August 13th, 2026 Thursday · Chattanooga, TN
Where
The Chattanoogan Downtown Chattanooga, TN
You are formally invited.
A premier gathering for HR & benefits leaders, CFOs, and business owners—cutting-edge strategies, real-world solutions, and the conversations that move the industry forward.
Register Now Meet the Speakers
AI Integration Legal & Compliance Mental Health Leave of Absence Captives GLP-1s Attention Management Benefits Technology AI Integration Legal & Compliance Mental Health Leave of Absence Captives GLP-1s Attention Management Benefits Technology
1Day
Intensive Forum
8+
Expert Sessions
2
Keynote Speakers
Aug 13
Chattanooga, TN
Maura Nevel Thomas — Keynote Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Featured & Recognized In
TEDx Speaker
Forbes
Harvard Business Review
Benefits Innovation Forum 2026

Maura Nevel
Thomas

World's #1 Authority on Attention Management

Maura Nevel Thomas is an award-winning international speaker and the most widely cited authority on attention management. Her research is pointing toward a larger truth: how technology is engineered to hijack our attention — and what we can do to take it back and show up with intention.

Her proprietary Empowered Productivity™ System has been embraced by NASA, Google, and Comcast. Recognized as a Top Leadership Speaker by Inc. Magazine and Vistage International, Maura is a TEDx speaker, author of six books, and a regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review and Forbes — with articles viewed over a million times.

Register to See Maura Live → August 13 · Chattanooga, TN
Featured Speakers
Maura Nevel Thomas
Keynote
Maura Nevel Thomas
World's #1 Authority on Attention Management
Award-winning international speaker and the most widely cited authority on attention management. Her proprietary Empowered Productivity™ System has been embraced by NASA, Google, and Comcast. TEDx speaker, author of six books, and regular contributor to the Harvard Business Review and Forbes — with articles viewed over a million times.
Brad Weber
Keynote
Brad Weber
AI Strategist & Founder, Integrated AI Solutions
Former IBM executive, Wharton AI for Business certified, and founding member of Anthropic's network. Brad helps benefits leaders cut through AI hype to find real, measurable ROI across HR operations — with practical frameworks designed for the benefits industry.
Matthew Cannova
Legal & Compliance
Matthew J. Cannova, J.D.
Shareholder — Maynard Nexsen
Matthew advises employers and benefits professionals across the country in matters related to employee benefits and executive compensation. His practice includes HIPAA, ERISA, COBRA, the Affordable Care Act, qualified and nonqualified retirement plans, and voluntary correction through IRS and DOL programs. Recognized by Alabama Super Lawyers and Mid-South Super Lawyers.
Daris Freeman
Leave & Absence
Daris Freeman, J.D.
AVP & Counsel, Leave Management Center — Unum
More than 20 years focused on absence management at Unum. Supports the Absence Management Center administering FMLA, paid leave, ADA, and 200+ state laws. Dedicated to the evolving paid leave landscape, including working with state agencies on program development. SHRM and CE certified trainer; frequent speaker on FMLA, ADA, and paid leave.
Adam Bruce
Leave & Absence
Adam Bruce
Director, Leave and Absence Consultation — Unum Group
14 years with Unum, beginning in the Leave Management Center. Partners with clients in pre-sale discussions to design seamless transitions to Unum while maintaining a high standard of service. Former Paid Leave Consultant who led implementation of corporate and statutory paid leave programs, including PFML initiatives.
Peter Doran
Captive Insurance
Peter Doran
Senior Vice President — Pareto Health
More than two decades of experience in employee benefits, with prior leadership roles at Swiss Re and IHC Risk Solutions. Expert in alternative health plan financing, stop-loss insurance, and group captive solutions for midsize employers. Frequent speaker on self-funding, captive health plans, and the evolving employer-sponsored healthcare landscape.
Eric Porter
Pharmacy Benefits
Eric Porter
SmithRx
Bio coming soon. Eric will lead our Pharmacy Benefits Management & GLP-1 Coverage session, bringing SmithRx's perspective on modern pharmacy benefit strategy, cost containment, and navigating the rapidly evolving GLP-1 landscape.
Dr. Matthew Hitchcock
Direct Primary Care
Dr. Matthew Hitchcock
Founder, Hitchcock Family Medicine — Chattanooga, TN
Navy veteran, commissioned officer, and family physician who founded the first Direct Primary Care practice in Tennessee. Completed his Family Medicine residency at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, deployed twice on humanitarian missions, and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. He brings a deeply personal, patient-first philosophy to modern employer healthcare strategy.
Paul Kelley
Mental Health
Paul Kelley
Director, Partnerships — Spring Health
Paul leads national partnerships with leading brokerages, consulting firms, insurance carriers, and PEOs to expand access to high-quality mental healthcare through employer-sponsored benefits. With more than a decade of experience in employee benefits and strategic partnerships, he has worked with organizations of all sizes to design innovative benefits strategies, optimize healthcare investments, and navigate complex funding models. Paul is deeply committed to advancing mental health as a core component of overall well-being and believes every employee deserves access to exceptional, evidence-based care.
Sessions Include

What We're Covering

Six content areas that touch every dimension of modern benefits strategy—from technology to compliance to employee well-being.

AI Integration Legal & Compliance Mental Health Leave of Absence Captives GLP-1s Benefits Technology Attention Management & Productivity Cost Containment Employee Experience + More
Conference Agenda

One Day. No Filler.

Every session is built around decisions, not just information. Leave with frameworks, not just takeaways.

8:00 AM
Registration
Registration & Networking — Walker Ballroom
Coffee, connections, and check-in
8:30 AM
Welcome
Welcome & Opening Remarks — The Chattanooga Ballroom
5 minutes
8:35 AM
Keynote
Attention Management & Productivity in the Modern Workplace
Maura Nevel Thomas — World's #1 Authority on Attention Management
9:30 AM
Break
Morning Break — The Chattanooga Ballroom
10 minutes
9:40 AM
Session
Mental Health Strategies for the Modern Workforce
Paul Kelley — Spring Health  ·  40 minutes
10:20 AM
Session
Leave of Absence & FMLA
Daris Freeman, J.D. & Adam Bruce — Unum  ·  40 minutes
11:00 AM
Break
Short Break — The Chattanooga Ballroom
10 minutes
11:10 AM
Session
Legal & Compliance Update
Matthew J. Cannova, J.D. — Maynard Nexsen  ·  40 minutes
12:00 PM
Lunch
Lunch — Walker Ballroom
60 minutes
1:05 PM
Keynote
AI Integration in Business: Real ROI Beyond the Hype
Brad Weber — Founder, Integrated AI Solutions  ·  55 minutes
2:00 PM
Break
Afternoon Snack Break — The Chattanooga Ballroom
15 minutes
2:15 PM
Session
Captive Insurance Solutions
Peter Doran — Pareto Health  ·  40 minutes
2:55 PM
Break
Short Break — The Chattanooga Ballroom
5 minutes
3:00 PM
Session
Pharmacy Benefits Management & GLP-1 Coverage
Eric Porter — SmithRx  ·  40 minutes
3:40 PM
Session
Direct Primary Care
Dr. Matthew Hitchcock — Hitchcock Family Medicine  ·  40 minutes
4:30 PM
Closing
Conference Concludes
Thank you for joining us
4:30 PM
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail Hour — High Rail Rooftop Bar
Onsite at The Chattanoogan  ·  4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Our Sponsors

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The organizations making this forum possible — shaping what's next in employee benefits.

Registration

Reserve Your
Seat at the Table

Limited seating is available to preserve the quality of conversation. Seats fill fast — early registration is strongly encouraged.

📅
Date
Thursday, August 13th, 2026
📍
Location
The Chattanoogan
Downtown Chattanooga, TN
🎟️
Who Should Attend
HR & Benefits Leaders
CFOs, Business Owners & Decision Makers
🌐
More Information
benefitsinnovationforum.com
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