As things have been moving online, with an impactful acceleration triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, major events have taken this step, too. We've seen concerts, seminars, conferences, and even entire school curriculums move to the virtual world to accommodate our needs.
With a new era of still-preferred social distancing and uncertainty regarding travels, the world is shifting towards what's best for everyone.
STEP Conference, the annual event that combines all the recent updates in the tech and startup sphere, is moving forward this year by organizing its first full-fledged online event under the name of "STEP Anywhere".
Whether you're back at the office or enjoying working remotely, (or maybe sunbathing under the scorching sun of August), you can join the conversation with around 100 global speakers, investors, and mentors who'll be talking health-tech, climate change, entrepreneurship in times of economic downturn, and much more.
"The impact COVID-19 had on the events industry is in many ways great news for us. Although the short-term will be full of challenges, the long-term is very promising. Now we can reach a much wider audience and produce conferences at scale and at a much lower cost," explained Ray Dargham, CEO of STEP Group, the parent company of STEP Conference.
"We are now able to provide access for those in lower income countries with weak currencies who can't afford to fly to Dubai or Saudi to attend our events. Now, they can attend and participate in a very similar way to a physical event but for a fraction of the cost," Dargham emphasized.
STEP started out as a series of workshops and small gatherings, only to grow in the span of nine years to become the largest tech festival in Dubai.
The newest addition to the STEP events will virtually bring together a global audience of startups, investors, digital enthusiasts, and brands throughout Aug. 24 to 26. STEP Anywhere's first edition next month will feature six tracks of live talks and panels, workshops, various startup programmings, exhibition and showcasing opportunities, and live entertainment.
What to expect
STAGES & TRACKS: STEP Anywhere will feature a Main Stage, as per usual, and themed tracks of content. Workshops and programming will run simultaneously to cover everything from startups, digital media, fintech, and future tech, to wellness, lifestyle, and entertainment.
STARTUP PROGRAMMING: STEP Anywhere will host multiple online startup programs to facilitate connections with investors, clients, and partners.
EXHIBITION & NETWORKING: Tech companies and brands across multiple industries will participate to connect with attendees and gather leads, scout for talent, or connect with potential partners online.
PRICES: For General Access tickets, students benefit from a discounted rate of $29 and are allowed to roam around the online event for workshops, panels, entertainment, and more. Regular attendees get the same benefits but from $99 and upwards as the prices increase closer to the event.
As for investors, tickets are for $149 and allow them virtual access to the Startup Basecamp and Exhibition, the Pitch Competition, and the Startup Basecamp Database to name a few. Startups participating in STEP Anywhere get two Master Passes, a virtual booth, a priority to book a mentorship and/or investor meeting, and general access to the event for $99.
Purchase your tickets here, and to our Lebanese community, prices are calculated at the official rate of 1,515 LBP.
*Disclaimer: Step Conference is a brand owned by STEP Group, the parent company of StepFeed.
