An Executive Retreat for Senior Behavioral Health Leaders
December 2–4, 2026
The Resort at Pelican Hill × Newport Coast, CA
A Private Forum for the Leaders Shaping Behavioral Health
The behavioral health industry is navigating the most complex operating environment in its history. Workforce shortages, payer pressure, regulatory shifts, and rapid consolidation are reshaping every sub-sector simultaneously.
The BHB Exchange brings together a carefully curated group of 15 senior behavioral health executives for three days of candid, off-the-record strategic dialogue at one of America's premier coastal resorts.
This is not a conference. There are no exhibition halls, no name badges, no breakout tracks. Under Chatham House rules, attendees speak freely about the strategies, challenges, and market forces defining the next era of behavioral health.
Why This Gathering Matters Now
Staffing costs have risen over 30% since 2020. Payers are tightening reimbursement while demanding more data. AI is moving from pilot to production. And the M&A landscape is shifting weekly.
Workforce & Retention
Labor costs are the single largest P&L line. Leaders need proven models for attracting, training, and retaining clinical talent in a market that has structurally changed.
AI & Technology
From clinical documentation to predictive analytics, AI is reshaping operations. The question is no longer whether to adopt, but how to deploy responsibly at scale.
Payer Strategy
Reimbursement rates are compressing while measurement-based care mandates expand. Executives need peer-tested strategies for payer negotiations and value-based arrangements.
M&A & Consolidation
Behavioral health M&A volume continues to accelerate. Platform builders, acquirers, and those considering exits need candid dialogue with peers navigating the same decisions.
The Resort at Pelican Hill
A AAA Five Diamond resort perched above the Pacific Ocean in Newport Coast, California. 504 acres of Mediterranean-inspired architecture, award-winning dining, and one of the most iconic resort pools in the world.
Who's In the Room
Fifteen CEOs and C-suite executives representing the full spectrum of behavioral health. Selected for organizational scale, strategic influence, and willingness to engage candidly with peers.
Diversified Behavioral Health
CEOs leading multi-service inpatient and residential platforms
SUD Treatment
Leaders in substance use disorder treatment and MAT programs
Autism Services
Executives scaling ABA and autism care delivery models
Outpatient Mental Health
CEOs building the next generation of outpatient platforms
Five category-exclusive sponsorship positions. Learn more about sponsorship.
What Is Included
Accepted members attend as guests of the BHB Exchange, and a plus one is included. Every detail is planned for you with concierge-level coordination, so you and your guest can focus on the conversations and connections that matter.
White Glove Service
Concierge-level coordination from travel to itinerary, so you focus on what matters
Plus One
Your guest enjoys the resort and all evening events
Airfare
Round-trip flights arranged and covered
Accommodations
Three nights at The Resort at Pelican Hill
All Meals
Welcome dinner, working lunches, gala evening
Full Program
Keynotes, roundtables, workshops, and networking
Exchange Events Portfolio
Since 2019, the HealthLeaders Exchange has convened senior healthcare executives for peer to peer problem solving. In place of large lectures, each event runs role specific tracks built around editor moderated roundtables of 8 to 12 peers, hosted at premium resort destinations.
Enterprise strategy, growth, and governance
Margin, capital allocation, and financial recovery
Nursing leadership, workforce, and care models
Clinical quality, physician alignment, and outcomes
End-to-end revenue integrity and yield
Automation and AI across the revenue cycle
Joint executive strategy and capital decisions
The Behavioral Health Business Exchange brings this proven format to behavioral health, convening the leaders shaping the sector.
Why Leaders Come Back to Exchange
The Table Is Set. The Seats Are Limited.
Membership in the BHB Exchange is by invitation. If you lead a behavioral health organization and are ready for candid peer dialogue at the highest level, we invite you to request consideration.
REQUEST AN INVITATION