The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside high‑profile executives from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz is listed as a promotional partner for the conference, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit is billed as a deep dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to convene leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a wide range of subjects that are currently redefining how audiences consume content and how creators monetize their work. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world. One of the key panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as Chief Experience Officer at EA.
Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The panel will examine how companies can create seamless experiences that span video games, film, television, and emerging interactive formats, and how these integrated strategies can deepen fan engagement and drive new revenue streams. Another high‑profile session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
Xiao will speak on a panel dedicated to the global rise of Asia’s cultural exports, offering insights into how Chinese gaming studios and other Asian creators are expanding their influence beyond regional markets and shaping worldwide entertainment trends. The conversation is expected to cover topics such as localization strategies, cross‑border collaborations, and the regulatory environments that affect the international rollout of Asian‑origin content. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver opening remarks that are likely to address the streaming giant’s strategy for maintaining a competitive edge in a crowded market and its approach to original content creation.
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between live sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his perspective on the future of film and television production in an era dominated by streaming platforms. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the burgeoning digital comics market and its integration with broader entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a diverse array of panelists and presenters from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Executives from other major brands—including EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount—will also be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will be on hand to discuss talent management, branding, and the evolving relationship between creators and distributors.
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 on the registration fee. To claim the discount, readers can either enter the promotional code GIB20 during checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication.
This reduced rate makes it more accessible for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation and gain insights from some of the most influential voices shaping the future of entertainment. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a comprehensive forum for examining the intersecting forces that are redefining how stories are told, distributed, and monetised across the globe. By bringing together executives from both the interactive gaming sector and traditional media companies, the conference highlights the increasingly blurred lines between different forms of entertainment and underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strategic foresight in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape.