With a slogan of "Think Mobile First," Networld Media Group properties MobilePaymentsToday.com and RetailCustomerExperience.com will join forces to convene the fourth annual customer experience gathering.

This year, the CONNECT 2014 Mobile Innovation Summit takes place August 18-20 at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower near North Michigan Avenue, the famed "Magnificent Mile" of shopping and dining destinations.

Also supporting the event will be the editorial, sales and marketing teams of FastCasual.com, QSRweb.com, PizzaMarketplace.com and DigitalSignageToday.com media properties.

The event will explore the many opportunities that retail and restaurant enterprises have for leveraging mobile and digital channels to build their brands, increase sales and improve customer engagement, experience and loyalty. Breakout sessions will be offered on two tracks with specific strategy and tactical information on mobile technology and mobile marketing.

Mobile technology topics to be addressed include: 

• Software, systems, apps & security
• Payments
• Customer engagement & experience
• Marketing, advertising & analytics
• Loyalty & rewards
• Social media

The conference content is being designed for executives from both business and technology functions at retail and restaurant enterprises.

Registration is now open for qualified registrants working in the retail and restaurant industries.

Companies with products aimed at these industries will be able to attend by participating as a sponsor. Sponsorship options will be offered at three levels: Platinum, Gold and Silver and will include branding, thought leadership, networking, and demand-lead generation opportunities.

For more information about speaking and sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.mobileinnovationsummit.com.