The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from the video‑game powerhouses Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with high‑profile leaders from traditional media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz, together with its parent organization IGNE Entertainment, serves as a promotional partner for the gathering. The summit’s core mission is to examine the "forces reshaping entertainment" and to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the industry’s ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the mechanics of franchise ecosystems to the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment properties. Other focal points include the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms.
One of the featured panels will spotlight David Tinson, who heads the Chief Experiences Office at EA. Tinson will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how video‑games, film, television and other formats can intertwine to create richer storytelling experiences for audiences.
In a separate session, Tian Xiao, the Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address a panel dedicated to the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, shedding light on how Chinese and broader Asian content is gaining traction in markets traditionally dominated by Western media. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the conversation with insights into the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and global distribution.
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the integration of sports, combat entertainment, and media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to navigating the post‑pandemic film environment, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of the digital comics sector’s rapid growth and its implications for broader entertainment pipelines. Beyond the keynotes, the agenda includes a diverse array of speakers. Representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute to panels that examine everything from the economics of live‑event ticketing to the strategic importance of intellectual‑property licensing across borders.
Executives from companies such as EA, the Pokémon franchise, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will also be present, fostering networking opportunities that span the gaming, film, television and tech spheres. Talent agencies will have a visible presence as well. Agents from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will attend, underscoring the importance of talent representation in shaping the next generation of cross‑platform projects.
Their involvement highlights the summit’s commitment to bridging the gap between creators, distributors and the business side of entertainment. Tickets for the event are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special benefit: a 20 percent discount on the registration fee when they apply the promotional code GIB20 or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This reduced price aims to make the summit more accessible to professionals who are directly involved in the gaming sector but wish to broaden their understanding of the wider entertainment landscape.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas, forge collaborations and anticipate the trends that will define the future of entertainment. By bringing together executives from interactive gaming, streaming services, major film studios and live‑event promoters, the conference offers a unique platform to discuss how the convergence of technology, storytelling and global cultural shifts will shape the next decade of content creation and consumption.