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.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
Peter Doran
Captive Insurance
Peter Doran
Senior Vice President of Sales — Pareto Health
Peter has been with Pareto Health since its founding in 2012, when his company served as the original reinsurance partner. He was a founding partner of Pareto Underwriting Partners, delivering traditional stop-loss products before transitioning into the captive in 2022. He previously held senior sales leadership roles at Swiss Re and IHC Risk Solutions, and has worked in the medical stop-loss arena since 2005.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
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.
Read more ↓
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.

7:30 AM
Registration
Registration & Networking — Walker Ballroom
Breakfast, coffee & tea, 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
2:15 PM
Session
Captive Insurance Solutions
Peter Doran — Pareto Health  ·  40 minutes
2:55 PM
Break
Afternoon Snack 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
Just Outside the Chattanooga Ballroom  ·  4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
Our Sponsors

Powered by the Industry's
Most Innovative Partners

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

Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
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
🚗
Parking
On-Site Garage or Valet
Available at The Chattanoogan, at guest's own cost
🎟️
Who Should Attend
HR & Benefits Leaders
CFOs, Business Owners & Decision Makers
🌐
More Information
benefitsinnovationforum.com
Save the Date
Add to Outlook Add to Apple Calendar
Benefits Innovation Forum 2026
Complete Your Registration

Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions.

Your information is kept private and used only for event communication.

FAQ

Everything you need to know before August 13.

The questions we hear most — from what it costs to where to park. Still wondering about something? Just ask.

The Basics
What is the Benefits Innovation Forum?
It's a one-day gathering for the people who own benefits decisions — HR and benefits leaders, CFOs, business owners. Hosted by Renewal, now in its 4th year, the forum brings national experts to Chattanooga for cutting-edge strategy, real-world solutions, and the conversations that move the industry forward. Every session is built around decisions, not just information.
When and where is it?
Thursday, August 13th, 2026 at The Chattanoogan in downtown Chattanooga, TN. Registration and networking open at 7:30 AM in the Walker Ballroom; the program runs until 4:30 PM, followed by a cocktail hour just outside the Chattanooga Ballroom from 4:30 to 6:00 PM.
Who should attend?
HR and benefits leaders, CFOs, business owners, and anyone else with a seat at the table when benefits strategy gets decided. You do not need to be a Renewal client to attend.
How much does it cost to attend?
Nothing. Registration is complimentary, and that includes breakfast, lunch, the afternoon snack break, and the cocktail hour — all provided at no cost to you. The only thing you cover is your own travel, parking, and lodging.
How do I register, and is seating limited?
Register through the form on this site — first name, last name, work email, company, and job title are all we need. Seating is intentionally limited to preserve the quality of conversation, and seats fill fast, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
Food & Drink
Are meals included?
Yes — breakfast, lunch, and cocktail hour are all provided at no cost. Breakfast, coffee, and tea are served during registration and networking starting at 7:30 AM in the Walker Ballroom, lunch is served at 12:00 PM in the Walker Ballroom, and there is an afternoon snack break at 2:55 PM.
What happens at the cocktail hour?
It's just outside the Chattanooga Ballroom, onsite at The Chattanoogan, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM right after the closing remarks. Drinks and appetizers are on us — a relaxed close to the day and a good chance to keep the conversations going with speakers and other attendees.
Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Absolutely. There is a dietary restrictions field on the registration form — tell us about allergies, intolerances, or preferences and we will work with the venue to make sure you are taken care of. Adding it at registration gives the kitchen the most notice.
Parking & Getting There
Where do I park?
Both self-parking (in the on-site garage) and valet are available at The Chattanoogan. Parking is at your own expense — it is the one part of the day that is not covered. Rates are set by the venue and paid directly to The Chattanoogan.
Is valet available?
Yes. Valet service is offered on site at The Chattanoogan and is also at your own expense. If you are arriving close to the 8:30 AM welcome, valet is the fastest way in.
Where should I go when I arrive?
Head to the Walker Ballroom for registration and check-in beginning at 7:30 AM. Signage and Renewal team members will be there to point you the right way. The main program takes place in The Chattanooga Ballroom.
I am traveling in — where should I stay?
The Chattanoogan is a hotel as well as the venue, so staying on site puts you steps from the ballroom. See the Hotel & Travel section for room details, and note that lodging is booked and paid by attendees directly.
The Program
Who is speaking?
Two keynotes anchor the day: Maura Nevel Thomas, the world's leading authority on attention management, whose Empowered Productivity™ System has been embraced by NASA, Google, and Comcast; and Brad Weber, AI strategist and founder of Integrated AI Solutions. Breakout sessions feature experts from Maynard Nexsen, Unum, Pareto Health, SmithRx, Spring Health, and Hitchcock Family Medicine.
What topics are covered?
AI integration, legal and compliance updates, mental health, leave of absence and FMLA, captive insurance, pharmacy benefits and GLP-1 coverage, direct primary care, benefits technology, and attention management — spanning every dimension of modern benefits strategy.
Do I need to choose sessions in advance?
No. The forum runs as a single track, so you get every session without picking between them. Show up, settle in, and the day comes to you.
Will sessions be recorded or available afterward?
The forum is designed to be experienced in the room, so we do not promise recordings. When speakers share slides or frameworks, we pass them along to registered attendees by email after the event.
Logistics & Extras
What should I wear?
Business casual. You will be in ballroom sessions all day and on a rooftop in August, so dress comfortably — a light layer is smart, since meeting rooms run cool.
Can I bring a colleague?
Please do — teams get more out of the day than individuals. Each attendee needs their own registration so we can plan seating and meals accurately.
Can my company sponsor or speak?
Sponsorship, yes — that's always open, and the Partner Sponsorship link is the place to start. Speaking is a different story: it depends. We build each year's content around what our attendees actually want to hear, so we're deliberate about who we invite to the stage. If you're interested, get in touch with our team and let's have a conversation.
What if I register and cannot make it?
Let us know as soon as you can. Seating is limited, and an early heads-up lets us offer your seat to someone on the waitlist.
Still have a question?

We're happy to help with anything not covered above.

Contact the Team