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 most anticipated participants are representatives from the gaming world—specifically executives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of leaders from traditional media powerhouses 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 collaboration with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience. The summit’s overarching theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene senior decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects that are currently 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 expanding global cultural influence 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 fragmented market. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, Chief Experiences Officer at EA, who will discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies.
He will be joined by senior figures from Universal Entertainment and Madison Wells, a narrative‑production company known for its innovative storytelling approaches. Together, they will examine how video games, film, television, and emerging interactive formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive experiences for audiences worldwide. In addition, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, has been slated to speak on a panel dedicated to the global rise of Asian cultural exports. His insights will shed light on how Chinese and broader Asian gaming studios are expanding beyond regional borders, influencing trends in storytelling, monetisation models, and cross‑border collaborations that are reshaping the global entertainment map.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote address that is expected to delve into the streaming giant’s content strategy, its investment in original programming, and its vision for the next wave of digital entertainment.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media, highlighting how live‑event brands are leveraging digital platforms to reach new audiences. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to navigating the post‑pandemic film market, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of the financial dynamics behind digital comics and the broader creator economy. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse set of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives representing iconic franchises such as Pokémon and Apple’s entertainment ventures will also be present, ensuring a comprehensive view of the industry’s current state and future direction.
Talent agencies play a pivotal role in the entertainment value chain, and the event will host representatives from major agencies including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their presence underscores the importance of talent representation in negotiating deals, shaping brand narratives, and facilitating cross‑industry collaborations.
The summit offers both digital and in‑person attendance options, catering to a global audience of industry professionals. Tickets are already on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20% discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizers. This discount makes it more accessible for professionals and enthusiasts alike to engage with the thought leaders who are steering the future of entertainment. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a cornerstone event for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and emerging technologies.
By bringing together a cross‑section of senior executives, creative innovators, and agency representatives, the summit will foster dialogue on how to navigate the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, capitalize on new revenue streams, and deliver compelling experiences to audiences around the world.