The Digital Screenmedia Association will host a symposium to help business executives across foodservice, banking, retail and other industries better understand how to combine multiple technologies to provide a more engaging customer experience.

The event will take place May 9–10 at the Hilton DFW Lakes Executive Conference Center in Grapevine, Texas, just outside of Dallas.

"So many new technologies are available for businesses to engage their customers that it can be hard to get them to provide one seamless experience," said David Drain, executive director of the Digital Screenmedia Association. "Delivering that omni-channel approach will be a key focus. We'll look at cutting-edge trends as well as practical applications."

Drain said the Digital Screenmedia Symposium will be intimate, with high-level, critical thinking from experts, and an abundance of networking.

Topics include:

• Staying ahead of the consumer
• How to rethink digital screenmedia: in-store and out
• QSR and fast casual: Turning dining digital
• Integrating screenmedia into store design
• Mobile integration

DSA uses "screenmedia" as a label for technologies such as digital signage, digital menu boards, interactive screens, self-service kiosks and mobile devices such as phones and tablets.

Speakers include:

• FK Funderburke, director, immersive experiences, SapientNitro
• Leah Gentry, director of content, social and design, Sprint
• Ignaz Gorischek, VP of store development, Neiman Marcus
• Kyle Jeffrey, LEED AP BD+C, senior associate/design director, Gensler
• Shelley Pisarra, senior director of shopper insights and analytics, PepsiCo - Frito Lay
• Michael Winton, EVP/co-founder, IndoorDIRECT

In addition to the educational component, the event will offer several networking opportunities. One session, called "Brain Exchange," will let attendees participate in a roundtable discussion of their choice to exchange ideas with peers.

The event also will include an evening dinner party at the adjacent Austin Ranch, where winners of the 2013 DSA Industry Excellence Awards will be announced.

The DSA Advisory Board will hold its biannual meeting on the morning of May 9, before the symposium begins.

Presenting sponsors include Intel, Pro-Motion Technology Group, Scala and Two West. Supporting sponsors are Reflect and Symon.

Early registration is available through April 19. DSA has secured a special room rate. More information on rates and accomodations is available at the symposium website.

The Digital Screenmedia Association is an independent, nonprofit trade association whose purpose is to advance the growth and excellence of the global digital signage, interactive kiosk and mobile community through advocacy, education and networking. Members include users of digital screenmedia in all vertical markets, as well as manufacturers, resellers and distributors of hardware and software, network operators, integrators, advertising agencies, consultants, analysts, publishers, tradeshow organizers and service companies.