What started as a small series of workshops, talks, and panels for tech enthusiasts is now a new media platform for the tech-savvy cross-generational audience across the MENA region. Step Conference announced the appointment of its latest Chief Operations Officer this week.

Sworder joins Step following a passion for events. After studying Event Management,  she went on to work on over 40 events across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Over the last 15 years, she has been involved in events across nearly every sector from F&B to traffic management, real estate, power generation, and even boardsports.

C‍ommenting on her latest role with Step, Sworder added, "Step has supported the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region for 10 years and I’m delighted to join as they embark on the next stage of their journey. It’s an exciting time for MENA startups and entrepreneurs and I look forward to working with the Step team to support the ecosystem’s growth and contribute to more success stories at our upcoming events in Saudi and Dubai."

Step Conference celebrated its 10th anniversary last year featuring an exclusive speaker lineup including Paul Misener, the Vice President of Global Innovation Policy and Communication at Amazon, Michelle Arrazcaeta, head of Brand Strategy & Collaborations at Polaroid, and also Elie Habib, Founder of Anghami. The first conference was hosted in 2012 showcasing 1224 startups, 252 investors, and influential tech leaders and speakers since then.