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19th - 20th March, 2026 

Château Élan, Hunter Valley
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Research Partner:

QualtricsXM
 
 
Executive retreats is a new iTnews event series designed to provide senior technology executives from end user organisations with the space to connect, reflect and share insights with their peers in an environment removed from daily pressures. Each retreat focuses on technology and business leadership, with restorative experiences that support personal and professional resilience. 
 
The inaugural Executive retreat will bring together over 24 senior technology and security leaders for an overnight stay in the Hunter Valley. In a profession marked by relentless pressure and high stakes, burnout is an ever-present risk. This retreat offers security executives the opportunity to pause, recharge and engage in open, candid discussion about the realities of leadership in modern cybersecurity. 
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Gourmet Lunch
Golf
wine and cheese tasting
Fire pit
 
 iTnews Executive Retreat - Security Leaders Edition
 

• Explore the evolving role of the security leader and what defines effective security leadership today

• Share experiences and strategies for managing personal resilience and team wellbeing in high-pressure environments

• Discuss how to build and sustain modern, high-performing security teams

• Foster trusted peer-to-peer connections that extend beyond the retreat

Speakers:

Damien Thomlinson

Damien Thomlinson
Ex-Commando, Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador, Best-Selling Author, and Actor
Australian Veteran

Ian Melton

Ian Melton
Head of Security and IT Operations
Autoleague

 

Leana El-Hourani

Leana El-Hourani
Head of Information Security and GRC
Mission Australia

Iain Hart headshot

Iain Hart
Head of Risk Management
Crown Resorts

 

VB new headshot ITN

Velvet-Belle Templeman
Publishing Director
iTnews

 

Speaker icon (1)

More speakers to be announced

 

 

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Panel 1: Burnout & Wellbeing

Security leaders operate in high pressure environments with little margin for error. Over time, this intensity can affect not only leaders themselves but also the teams and organisations they manage. This panel will explore how burnout shows up at the executive level, how leaders can recognise early warning signs in themselves and their teams, and practical strategies for supporting wellbeing without compromising long term performance.

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Panel 2: Leading Modern Security Teams

This panel will examine what it takes to build, lead and retain high performing security teams in today’s environment. Discussion will examine leadership beyond technical expertise, including team structure, skills development, culture, and decision-making in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Panellists will also share perspectives on how modern security leaders are adapting their approach to meet both current risks and future challenges.

Agenda for Day 1 & Day 2

7:45am Arrival, networking and breakfast
8:30am Welcome address by Digital Nation Australia editor – Athina Mallis & commercial editor – Velvet-Belle Templeman
8:45am Panel 1 – Impact of digital on Marketing/CX + audience Q&A
9:15am Panel 2 – Impact of digital on HR/EX + audience Q&A
9:45am Panel 3 – Impact of digital on Finance + audience Q&A
10:15am Closing remarks & networking
10:30am Finish

 

  • 10:00am
    Coaches depart Sydney CBD, arriving at the Hunter Valley's Château Élan at midday.
  • 12:30 - 2:30pm
    VIP lunch. Delegates will enjoy a gourmet lunch as part of a facilitated session featuring one hour of content focused on leadership and the evolution of modern security teams. 
  • Afternoon
    Delegates can choose between nine holes of golf on the prestigious Vintage golf course or a two-hour exclusive rest and relaxation session on the Hydro Deck. 
  • 6:00 - 7:00pm
    Networking pre-dinner wine and cheese tasting, showcasing the region’s renowned vintages and artisan produce. This session can also be used for 1:1 meetings with delegates.  
  • 7:00 - 9:00pm
    Evening dining experience prepared by Château Élan’s executive chef, paired with Hunter Valley wines and featuring a further hour of content woven through the meal.
  • 9:00 - 11:00pm
    Post-dinner networking by the fire pits, complete with blankets, mulled wine and toasted s’mores – a relaxed close to the day’s program. 
  • 08:00 - 9:30am
    Plated breakfast and morning reflections, giving participants the opportunity to consolidate learnings and conversations from the retreat. 
  • 10:00am
    Coaches depart Château Élan, arriving back in Sydney by 12:00pm.

Register Here

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Please note: attendance is not guaranteed due to limited available seats.