STEP Conference 2018 - taking place between March 28-29 at Dubai Internet City (DIC) - is expected to attract more than 6,000 people for the latest in entrepreneurship, digital, fintech, and future technology.

This year's event is not just about talks, panels, workshops, and traditional formats.

With four conferences, more than 250 startups on display, activities, live music, entertainment, meet-ups, and special invite-only events during the two days of the gathering, STEP Conference is once again pushing the limits to make sure you enjoy the most experiential tech festival in 2018.

The event is less than ten days away and here are nine reasons why you need to attend.

1. STEP 2018 is going to be content-packed with four individual conferences and a main stage as part of the entire festival

STEP Start will be the home-base for founders, startups, and entrepreneurs. 

STEP Digital will focus on the most forward-thinking topics and global trends in digital, advertising technology, content, and media.

STEP X will be all about future technology including smart cities, cloud, IoT, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, and regulation.

STEP Money will tackle the most relevant topics in financial technology including blockchain, cryptocurrency, and payments.

2. The confirmed speaker lineup is incredible

3. Two days of not only talks and panels, but also workshops, 1-on-1 and group mentorship sessions

4. The festival will literally take over the streets of Dubai Internet City

5. STEP 2018 partnered up with the most interactive companies and brands in the region and beyond

6. For additional non-stop networking, satellite events will be hosted all over the neighborhood

7. With over 250 startups on display across fintech, adtech, AI, and more, STEP 2018 will witness the largest startup showcase in the Middle East

8. Be prepared and wear your sneakers, there’s going to be a lot of walking

9. Live hip-hop and R&B music from top regional talent

This year, ON42 at Dubai's Media One Hotel will open its doors for STEP Music 2018. As one of the city's most alternative nightlife venues, with an edgy and industrial interior, ON42 will provide the coolest backdrop for the >finest line-up of underground and upcoming artists.