Networld Media Group, publisher of this website, has announced a new event called the Interactive Customer Experience (ICX) Summit, which will be held June 28-30 in Chicago. The conference will focus on technologies such as digital signage, self-service kiosks, mobile and tablets, as well as emerging technologies like beacons, virtual assistants and augmented reality.

The Summit will be held at the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, near North Michigan Avenue, the famed "Magnificent Mile" of shopping and dining destinations. The event will begin with tours of interactive customer experience venues, such as flagship retail stores, restaurants, hotels and museums. Topics to be addressed during the two-and-a-half day event include:

• Multiple methods of engagement and interactivity
• Creating compelling content
• Effective use of in-venue social media
• Integrating with mobile
• The latest payment technology, including Apple Pay
• Bridging brick-and-mortar with digital experiences

A limited number of sponsors will display technologies to give attendees the opportunity for hands-on demonstrations. The program will also include an offsite dinner party on Monday, June 29 on the 99th floor of Willis Tower. During the evening event, attendees will be given access to Skydeck on the 103rd floor, where "The Ledge" is located, suspending people 1,353 feet over the streets of Chicago.

“In today’s competitive landscape, it’s difficult to stand out. Retailers, brands, restaurants, hotels and other venues are turning to immersive digital technology for their respective audiences to create unforgettable experiences,” said David Drain, senior vice president of events for Networld Media Group.

“Many of our customers tell us that the customer experience is the single most exciting opportunity for 2015. Brands need to ensure they have the right data and technology as a baseline for a great customer experience. With technology moving so fast and so many exciting examples in the marketplace, we will share some case studies and best practices with attendees,” said Kathy Doyle, Networld’s executive vice president and publisher. “Our summits are intimate events where we connect high-level executives for a few days of intense education and networking. Adding the ICX Summit to our growing portfolio is a natural fit for serving our customers.”

This exclusive event is reserved for executives from businesses that are interested in utilizing interactive technologies to enhance the customer experience. This includes:

• Retailers
• Banks/Credit unions
• Colleges/universities
• Entertainment venues/arenas
• Government agencies
• Hospitals/Healthcare facilities
• Hotels/Resorts
• Public transportation
• Restaurants

Current sponsors of the event include DIRECTV, Omnivex and the Digital Screenmedia Association.

Early bird registration is now open through March 6, 2015.