iTnews Media Kit: Benchmark Awards: Security

The Benchmark Security Awards, powered by iTnews and techpartner.news is a conference and awards program celebrating leadership and projects in cyber security from a cross section of Australian business.

CISO, CSOs and senior cyber security leaders will be awarded for their leadership in both the security team and across the business in driving effective cyber programs.

For the first time the Benchmark Security Awards will also be celebrating partner organisations featured in our channel publication techpartner.news

The awards program is expected to draw in over 100 end user security leaders and over 50 security partners.

The awards finalists are selected on the following criteria:

Execution and stakeholder buy-in of security strategy
Secure, practical and frictionless experience for customers or end-users
Innovation and new ground forged
Challenges overcome in last 12 months
Utilisation of resources including talent
Approach to people management and culture fostered in the team and in the broader organisation

The awards finalists for the Partner awards are selected on the following criteria:

Partner Security awards are open to technology partners (such as MSPs, Consultancies and other IT services providers) that have delivered security projects for end customers. Distributors and vendors are ineligible for this awards but are welcome to sponsor the awards program.

Significance of project (size, scope and potential impact)
Delivery of tangible outcomes for customer organisation
Complexity and challenges overcome
Value for money
Customer service and stakeholder management

The 2025 Benchmark Security program provides extensive networking opportunities including a conference session where finalists can share their success stories, leverage learnings and uncover insights from their peers, while sponsors lead and facilitate group discussions with their attendees:

1VIP roundtable lunch from 1pm - 3pm

2All finalists are invited to afternoon conference session starting at 3:30pm

3A premium networking session commences at 5:30pm ahead of the Awards ceremony

4Winners will be announced at an awards evening gala dinner, with imagery and content from the evening posted on the iTnews website post-event.

Time	Activity	VIP	Premium	Award Only
		$40,000	$25,000	$15,000
1:00pm – 3:00pm	Exclusive VIP Security Leaders Roundtable lunch at 5-star venue in Sydney CBD Includes • 6 x senior security executives including award delegates to be seated at sponsor's roundtable event. • 2 sponsor reps to attend.	Included
3:30pm – 5:30pm	Event Conference – Security Strategy Sessions Includes • Hosting of networking table discussions during content sessions around on-stage topics. • 6 x security leaders (3 companies) to be seated at sponsor's table. • On-stage speaking opportunity in panel or fireside chat.	Included	Included
5:30pm – 7pm	Exclusive Networking Drinks Includes • Access to networking activity with award finalists. • Photographs to be taken at press event.	Included	Included
7pm – 10:00pm	iTnews Security Leadership Awards Includes • Host table at Awards gala dinner. • Minimum of 6 x security finalists and 2 x reps on sponsor table. • Sponsor to announce category winner. • Sponsor logo and branding to be present throughout the event and media collateral.	Included	Included	Included
Post Event	Lead Generation • Sponsor to receive business card details of 50 Attendees. Digital Branding • 100% SOV sponsorship of iTnews Security section for 2 week period.	Included	Included	Included

Exclusive Sponsor of the iTnews TV Media Zone

Maximise your brand exposure by becoming the exclusive sponsor of the iTnews TV Media Zone.

Located in a prime, high-traffic area on the conference and awards floor, this vibrant space provides the perfect setting for capturing dynamic interviews and interactions. The zone also features a dedicated networking area, where CISOs from Australia’s largest organisations will gather before their interviews, offering a unique opportunity to engage with key industry leaders.

2-3 x Individual video interviews – includes 3 on-camera questions each. Final output 1 - 3 minute video.
Production: Each video to be edited and produced for social distribution.
Distribution: Videos will be released and distributed on iTnews, LinkedIn and partner content hub.

Investment: $20,000 + GST

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, a strong and diverse cybersecurity workforce is critical to safeguarding organisations against increasingly sophisticated threats. However, gender diversity remains a significant challenge in the security industry.

This roundtable will explore how to attract and retain diverse talent, and bring more women into cyber security leadership roles. The discussion will also highlight the crucial roles men play as allies and advocates in creating a diverse pipeline of security talent.

By focusing on practical strategies and actionable insights, the Securing Diversity discussion aims to foster a more inclusive cybersecurity field where gender and intersectional diversity is not only embraced but seen as a key strength in building stronger defenses for the future.

Benchmark Security Awards 2026

Who Judges the Awards?

Finalists in each category are chosen by our editorial team and expert advisors. Event sponsors have no involvement whatsoever in the judging process.

The awards finalists are selected on the following criteria:

The awards finalists for the Partner awards are selected on the following criteria:

Timeline & Format

Venue -Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Ballroom, The Rocks Sydney

Sponsor Packages

iTnews TV Sponsor Package

Securing Diversity Roundtable

Roundtable Format:

Sponsor Inclusions

Contacts

Jermaine Borquaye

Commercial Director

Ryan Coombs

Strategic Partnerships Director

Dominic Tusa

Account Manager

Luke Dehaan

Account Manager

Alby Giles

Business Development Manager

Alby Giles

Business Development Manager

Previous Sponsors