iTnews Executive Retreat – Security Leaders Edition will gather senior technology and security executives for an overnight session on 26–27 November at RACV Goldfields Resort in Creswick, Victoria. The venue sits beside a lake and offers views of rolling hills, providing a quiet backdrop for strategic discussion. The event is exclusive to senior leaders from end‑user organisations, ensuring discussions stay focused on real‑world operational challenges rather than product promotion.
What to Expect
The retreat is designed as a departure from typical conferences. Organisers have removed the usual office backdrop, allowing participants to focus on open dialogue and personal reflection rather than vendor pitches.
Attendees will share experiences about leading security teams, building resilient cultures, and managing executive wellbeing. The format mixes structured talks with informal networking, designed to create genuine connections that extend beyond the two‑day schedule. Because the agenda omits typical sales booths, delegates can devote their full attention to sharing practical solutions and learning from each other’s experiences.
Program Highlights
Sessions will explore how leaders address an increasingly complex threat environment while keeping teams motivated. Topics include strategies for preventing burnout and methods for cultivating high‑performing groups. These sessions are built around the realities outlined by iTnews, emphasizing how security heads must balance threat mitigation with team morale and personal wellbeing.
In addition to the discussions, the agenda features premium dining and leisure activities. A gourmet VIP lunch, locally sourced cheese on the putting green, and an evening meal are intended to create a relaxed atmosphere for conversation.
For many senior leaders, stepping away from daily fire‑fighting can reveal blind spots that only peers can point out. This mix of discussion and leisure mirrors the balance they must strike in their own teams.
The venue overlooks rolling hills. Morning mist adds a tranquil ambience here.
Read Also: People First Bank moves ahead with tech modernization
The morning of the second day will conclude with a breakfast round where participants can consolidate insights before returning to their Melbourne offices.
Logistics and Attendance
Host Velvet‑Belle Templeman, publishing director at iTnews, will guide the leadership discussions. Additional speakers are yet to be announced, keeping the focus on peer exchange.
Attendance is intentionally limited. The small group size is meant to ensure every delegate can contribute and build trusted relationships. The event targets senior technology and security leaders seeking fresh perspectives on modern security leadership.
If you are looking to pause, recharge, and engage in candid conversations about the realities of security leadership, the retreat offers a rare opportunity not to miss. The schedule feels oddly spacious, like a coffee break stretched over a day.
Optional wellness sessions, such as guided meditation and light exercise, are offered to help participants maintain energy and focus throughout the two days.
Travel arrangements are straightforward, with a shuttle service provided from Melbourne Airport to the resort, ensuring a smooth arrival for all delegates.
Each participant will receive a printed workbook that summarises key discussion points and actionable items, giving a tangible reference to take back to their organisations.
