The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most eagerly anticipated participants are representatives from the video‑game powerhouses Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top executives from traditional media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a promotional partner for the summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
Designed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit aims to gather influential voices from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment products, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan engagement, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world.
One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, EA’s Chief Experience Officer, who will discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment. He will be joined by senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and Madison Wells, a narrative‑production company known for its innovative storytelling approaches. Their conversation is expected to examine how video‑game mechanics, cinematic storytelling, and immersive experiences can intersect to create new forms of entertainment that transcend traditional platform boundaries. Another key discussion will be led by Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
Xiao will sit on a panel dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports, shedding light on how Chinese and broader Asian gaming studios are influencing worldwide trends, shaping consumer tastes, and forging partnerships that extend beyond the Asian market. The panel will also address the strategic considerations for Western companies seeking to collaborate with Asian developers and publishers. The summit’s keynote lineup reads like a who's‑who of the industry.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media rights in a rapidly changing market. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide perspective on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will explore the financial dynamics of digital comic platforms and their role in the broader entertainment ecosystem.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a diverse set of panelists and presenters, including senior figures from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. This breadth of representation underscores the summit’s ambition to reflect the full spectrum of entertainment, from sports and gaming to streaming and theatrical releases.
Industry insiders from a variety of leading companies—such as EA, the Pokémon franchise, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount—will be present, providing ample networking opportunities. In addition, representatives from major talent agencies, including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency, will attend, highlighting the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment landscape. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 % discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the platform.
This discount is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals who regularly cover the gaming sector and wish to stay abreast of the broader trends influencing their industry. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and emerging technologies.
By bringing together leaders from both legacy media companies and cutting‑edge game developers, the Financial Times aims to foster dialogue that will shape the future direction of entertainment on a global scale. Attendees can look forward to insightful sessions, strategic networking, and a comprehensive view of how the entertainment world is adapting to new consumer expectations, technological advancements, and cross‑cultural influences.