
- 19 to 20 March 2026, Château Élan, Hunter Valley -

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.
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
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Agenda
The Executive Retreat - Security Leaders edition will offer a carefully curated programme blending professional insight with relaxation and peer connection.
Travel and arrival
Day One & Day Two
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10:00amCoaches depart Sydney CBD, arriving at the Hunter Valley's Château Élan at midday.
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12:30 - 2:30pmVIP lunch and keynote conversation. 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.
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AfternoonDelegates 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.
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6:00 - 7:00pmNetworking 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.
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7:00 - 9:00pmEvening 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.
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9:00 - 11:00pmPost-dinner networking by the fire pits, complete with blankets, mulled wine and toasted s’mores – a relaxed close to the day’s program.
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08:00 - 9:30amPlated breakfast and morning reflections, giving participants the opportunity to consolidate learnings and conversations from the retreat.
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10:00amCoaches depart Château Élan, arriving back in Sydney by 12:00pm.
Venue - Château Élan, Hunter Valley

Sponsor Benefits
The iTnews Executive Retreat: Security edition offers sponsors a unique opportunity to connect with senior technology and security leaders in an intimate, high-value environment designed for meaningful engagement.
Sponsors are fully integrated into the retreat experience, benefitting from direct access to delegates, premium brand exposure, and opportunities to demonstrate thought leadership across the programme.
Brand Positioning
Align your company, executives and marketing messages with iTnews and a trusted network of senior security decision-makers. Sponsorship delivers visibility across all retreat communications and touchpoints, reinforcing your brand as a leader in supporting modern security leadership and resilience.
Networking Events
The retreat is designed to foster genuine connections between sponsors and delegates. Across multiple touchpoints, sponsors will have extensive opportunities to engage in candid, peer-level discussions. Each sponsor can also benefit from scheduled 1:1 meetings with attending delegates.
Sponsorship Inclusions
- Participation for 2 representatives (travel and accommodation included)
- 4 x 1:1 meetings - each representative to host 2 meetings (25 minutes each)
- Option to bring a customer
- Panel speaking opportunity - 5 minutes solo, or up to 10 minutes if joined by a customer
- Logo inclusion on event collateral, signage, and delegate communications (email, agenda, name badges, etc.)
- Access to all networking activities - including wine tasting, firepit drinks, and more
- Host table privilege for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Opportunity to provide a gift or experience for attending executives
- Access to attendee profiles (job titles, industries, company size, etc.)
- Branding opportunities
Investment: $30,000 + GST


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Video Package - Executive Conversations by iTnews
Our on-site video team will produce polished, branded content featuring your executives and optionally, a customer to showcase your leadership, insights, and success stories.
Inclusions:
- Professional filming on-site during the retreat
- Up to 2 on-camera interviews:
- 1 x company executive
- 1 x customer (optional, if attending)
- Edited highlight video (2-3 minutes) optimised for LinkedIn and social media
- Branded intro/outro with company logo and event title
- Subtitled version for social distribution
- Usage rights for all corporate and social platforms
- Option to include event footage (networking, panel, etc.) to enrich storytelling)
Outcome:
- Extend the impact of your retreat participation post-event
- Strengthen your thought leadership positioning
- Create authentic customer advocacy content in a trusted, editorial setting
Investment: $6,000 + GST
Contacts
We love to hear from our readers and advertisers, so please get in touch and let the friendly iTnews team help with your enquiry.
Jermaine Borquaye
Commercial Director
M: 0413 714 613
E: jborquaye@nextmedia.com.au
Ryan Coombs
Strategic Partnerships Director
M: 0449 671 738
E: rcoombs@nextmedia.com.au
Dominic Tusa
Account Manager
Ph: (02) 9901 6193
M: 0420 200 386
E: dtusa@nextmedia.com.au
Luke Dehaan
Account Manager
Ph: (02) 9901 6339
M: 0410 742 526
E: ldehaan@nextmedia.com.au
Alby Giles
Business Development Manager
Ph: (02) 9901 6159
M: 0421 060 063
E: agiles@nextmedia.com.au
Alby Giles
Business Development Manager
Ph: (02) 9901 6159
M: 0421 060 063
E: agiles@nextmedia.com.au
Previous Sponsors