Benchmarks Security Awards logo

6th November, 2025

Doltone House, Hyde Park

3:00pm - 10:00pm

- Benchmark Security Awards Powered by iTnews and techpartner.news -

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.

 

Benchmark Security Awards 2025

- Award Categories -

Government
Government
Healthcare
Healthcare
Finance
Finance
Retail
Retail
NFP
NFP
Telecommunications
Telecommunications
Industrial
Industrial
Education
Education
Energy
Energy
Security Leader of the year
Security Leader of the Year
Security Leader of the Year
Security Partner of the Year

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 for the Security leader awards are selected on the following criteria:
Security leader awards are open to C-level security decision makers at end user organisations 
  • 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

Timeline & Format

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:

1. VIP roundtable lunch from 1pm - 3pm

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

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

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

June 2025 - August 2025
Entries open
 
August 2025 - September 2025
Judging period
 
September 2025
Finalists announced 
 
October 16th 2025
Sponsor / finalists VIP roundtables, conference and awards gala dinner (125 attendees)
 
October 2025
Post-event content is promoted through the iTnews website.

Sponsor Packages

Naming Sponsor 

Interactive Content Session (4:30pm) 

  • 2 reps in attendance
  • 5 minute Fireside chat
  • Sponsor reps to facilitate roundtable discussion with minimum of 5 partners
     

CRN Fast50 Awards  - Networking Drinks and Award Gala Dinner (from 6:30pm)

  • 2 additional reps to attend networking expo and gala dinner (4 in total)
  • On-stage welcome address
  • On-stage presentation of Fast50 #1
  • Host 2 x tables of 8 delegates with a minimum of 2 finalists on each table
  • Logo branding integrated across digital promotion of the Fast50 program, on-stage AV presentation and post-event video content

 

Data

  • Data Share of 2023 + 2024 Fast50 business profiles . Includes executive contact details, revenue growth details, breakdown of solution/services contributing to revenues and key sectors operating in (SMB/Mid Mark/Gov/Ent) 

 

Media & Content 

  • 1 x solus EDM to CRN database (9000+ subscribers) 
  • Partner Content Article on CRN website (600 - 800 words)
  • Fast50 Sponsor social media tile 
  • Sponsor tagged in CRN Fast50 social post 

 

Investment - $60,000.00

Additional Add-on - $2,000.00

  • Celebratory gift to all Fast50 of finalist results displayed in a branded frame 

VIP Sponsor (3 remaining)

Interactive Content Session (4:30pm) 

  • 2 reps in attendance
  • 5 minute Fireside chat
  • Sponsor reps to facilitate roundtable discussion with minimum of 5 partners
     

CRN Fast50 Awards  - Networking Drinks and Award Gala Dinner (from 6:30pm)

  • 2 additional reps to attend networking expo and gala dinner (4 in total)
  • Host table of 8 delegates with a minimum of 3 finalists on each table
  • On-stage presentation of awards #4 - #2
  • Logo branding integrated across digital promotion of the Fast50 program, on-stage AV presentation and post-event video content

 

Data

  • Data Share of 2023 + 2024 Fast50 business profiles . Includes executive contact details, revenue growth details, breakdown of solution/services contributing to revenues and key sectors operating in (SMB/Mid Mark/Gov/Ent) 

 

Media & Content 

  • 1 x solus EDM to CRN database (9000+ subscribers) 
  • Partner Content Article on CRN website (600 - 800 words)
  • Fast50 Sponsor social media tile 
  • Sponsor tagged in CRN Fast50 social post 

 

Experience add-on (one per sponsor) 

  • Champagne Sponsor 
    Co-branded champagne bottle delivered to Fast50 directly to their tables when their placement has been announced.
  • Photobooth Sponsor 
    Co-branded photobooth installed to gala dinner venue. Branded photoprints delivered onsite to commemorate the evening
  • Mystery Prize Sponsor -
    2 x lucky guests will receive a prize from one sponsor. Randomised draw with winners revealed on screen. 

 

Investment - $45,000.00

Platinum Sponsor (2 remaining)

Interactive Content Session (4:30pm) 

  • 2 reps in attendance
  • Sponsor reps to facilitate roundtable discussion with minimum of 5 partners
     

CRN Fast50 Awards  - Networking Drinks and Award Gala Dinner (from 6:30pm)

  • Host table of 8 delegates with a minimum of 3 finalists on each table
  • On-stage presentation of awards #10 - #5
  • Logo branding integrated across digital promotion of the Fast50 program, on-stage AV presentation and post-event video content

 

Data

  • Data Share 2024 Fast50 business profiles . Includes executive contact details, revenue growth details, breakdown of solution/services contributing to revenues and key sectors operating in (SMB/Mid Mark/Gov/Ent) 

 

Media & Content 

  • 1 x solus EDM to CRN database (9000+ subscribers) 
  • Fast50 Sponsor social media tile 
  • Sponsor tagged in CRN Fast50 social post 

 

Investment - $30,000.00

Additional Add-on - $5,000.00 each

  • DJ Booth Sponsor
    This year, an onsite DJ will fill the awards dinner with festive tunes, creating a lively and celebratory atmosphere. There is an exclusive opportunity for one sponsor to brand the DJ Booth. 
  • Bar Sponsor 
    Opportunity to own one of four bars featured at the Gala dinner. Beer, Wine, Cocktail and Spirits bars will be set up within the gala dinner ballroom to provide refreshments to all attendees across the evening.

Gold Sponsor

 

CRN Fast50 Awards  - Networking Drinks and Award Gala Dinner (from 6:30pm)

  • 2 reps in attendance
  • Host table of 8 delegates with a minimum of 3 finalists on each table
  • Logo branding integrated across digital promotion of the Fast50 program, on-stage AV presentation and post-event video content

 

Data

  • Data Share 2024 Fast50 business profiles . Includes executive contact details, revenue growth details, breakdown of solution/services contributing to revenues and key sectors operating in (SMB/Mid Mark/Gov/Ent) 

 

Media & Content

  • Fast50 Sponsor social media tile 
  • Sponsor tagged in CRN Fast50 social post 

 

Investment - $25,000.00

 Time

Activity

VIP 

Premium

(see also combined sponsorship opportunity)

Award Only

 

 

$40,000

$25,000

$15,000

1:00pm - 3:00pm


 

Exclusive VIP Partner Roundtable lunch at 5-star venue in Sydney CBD
Includes
• 6  x key decision makers including award delegates to be seated at sponsor's roundtable event.
• 2 sponsor reps to attend.

Included

 

 

3:30pm - 5:30pm

Channel Partner Conference – Security Strategy Sessions
Includes
• Hosting of networking table discussions during content sessions around on-stage topics.
• 6 x  key decision makers  (3 companies) to be seated at sponsor's table.
• On-stage speaking opportunity in panel or fireside chat.

Included

Included

 

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Exclusive Networking Drinks 
Includes
• Access to networking activity with security leader and partner award finalists
• Photographs to be taken at press event. 

Included

Included

 

6:30pm - 10:00pm

Benchmark Security Awards
Includes
• Host table at Awards gala dinner.
• Minimum of 6 x project finalists and 2 x reps on sponsor table.
• Sponsor to announce category project 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 Tech Partner.News Security section for 2 week period. 

Included

 

Included

 

Included

Combined Sponsorship Package

Unlock unparalleled access to both end-user and partner audiences with our exclusive iTnews and techpartner.news sponsorship package. This combined opportunity is perfect for brands looking to amplify their presence and connect with key decision-makers across the tech ecosystem.

As a combined sponsor, you’ll gain access to both the iTnews and techpartner.news conferences, plus host 2 tables at the awards ceremony — seated alongside end-user and partner finalists for invaluable networking opportunities.

If you would like a representative within both the end user and partner conference sessions, you can purchase a combined sponsorship package for $35,000.

 

Channel TV Sponsor Package

Exclusive Sponsor of the Channel TV Media Zone

Maximise your brand exposure by becoming the exclusive sponsor of the Channel 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 finalists from Australia’s largest organisations will gather before their interviews, offering a unique opportunity to engage with key industry leaders.

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

Investment: $20,000 + GST

Interview
Media interview

Channel TV  Media Interviews

  1. 1 x individual interview -  3 on-camera questions each. Final output 3 - 5 minute video. 
  2. Production: Each video to be edited and produced for social distribution.
  3. Distribution: Video will be released and distributed on techpartner.news, LinkedIn and partner content hub. 

Investment: $5,000 + GST

Sponsor Integration

Fast 50 Award Ceremony
The Fast50 will be invited to an Awards Evening gala dinner ceremony celebrating the success of the finalists and evealing the positions from 50 to 1, with sponsors taking to the stage to present the top positions. CRN’s special editorial awards will also be announced on the evening. Fast50 finalists from both 2021 and 2020 will also be invited to attend the evening, to boost the networking opportunities for the sponsors.

The on stage presentation will feature Sponsor branding and sponsors will also host tables with at least 2 members of the Fast50.

VIP Experiences
Prior to the Awards Ceremony Evening, VIP sponsors will host an experience with up to 5 finalists selected from the Fast 50.

Fast50 Expo
To maximise the networking opportunities for sponsors to meet with our 2022 Fast50 finalists, CRN will hold an expostyle networking sessions prior to the sit-down gala dinner. Each finalist from the Fast 50 will have their own table and display stand, allowing sponsors to pro-actively approachall the partners they are keen to connect with.

Fast50 Finalist Profiles
A Profile Report for each of the Fast50 finalists will be shared with all sponsors. Each report includes the contact details of key executives, insight into the verticals driving each business’s growth, the solutions and products each business specializes in plus a summary of their key distributor and vendor relationships.

Digital Showcase
Commencing the week after the awards evening, there will be a digital showcase featuring a countdown of the Fast50 finalists and footage from the live event of the top placings receiving their awards at the event. This content will be posted across CRN and LinkedIn, with sponsor branding integrated throughout.

Agenda*

4:30pm VIP Experiences
5:30pm Fast50 Expo

7pm Gala Dinner
10pm After Party

*subject to change

Sponsorship Packages 2023

tech partner.news Sales Team

Reach out to our friendly sales team to sponsor the best channel content.

Steven McDonald

Steven McDonald

Commercial Director

Ph: (02) 9901 6365
M: 0468 430 161
E: smcdonald@nextmedia.com.au

Ryan Coombs

Ryan Coombs

Strategic Partnerships Director

M: 0449 671 738
E: rcoombs@nextmedia.com.au
Joanne Ross

Joanne Ross

Strategic Partnerships Director

Ph: +61 2 9901 6334
M:+61 405024113

E: JRoss@nextmedia.com.au 

Dominic Tusa

Dominic Tusa

Account Manager

Ph: (02) 9901 6193
M: 0420 200 386
E: dtusa@nextmedia.com.au

Luke Dehaan

Luke Dehaan

Account Manager

Ph: (02) 9901 6339
M: 0410 742 526
E: ldehaan@nextmedia.com.au

1674508349514

Alby Giles

Business Development Manager

Ph: (02) 9901 6159
M: 0421 060 063
E: agiles@nextmedia.com.au

1674508349514

Alby Giles

Business Development Manager

Ph: (02) 9901 6159
M: 0421 060 063
E: agiles@nextmedia.com.au

fast-50-awards

RESILIENCE AWARD

The Resilience Award shines a light on the company with the best Fast50 performance over the last three years, based on how frequently it made the Fast50 and then on the best performance.

fast-50-awards

LEADER

The Leader Award celebrates fast business growth and scale by recognising the Fast50 company with the largest overall revenue.

fast-50-awards

ICON AWARD

The Fast50 Icon Award, is presented to the company that other Fast50 companies vote as having made the most significant contribution to the Australian channel, based on a list of nominees provided by the CRN news team.

fast-50-awards

FEMALE BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARD

The Female Business Champion Award recognises the most outstanding contribution by a woman working for or with a Fast50 company, based on the business impact of the nominee’s work. Each Fast50 company can nominate one candidate.