The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. The lineup now features representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with high‑profile leaders from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz, together with its parent company IGNE Entertainment, serves as a promotional partner for the event, helping to amplify its reach within the gaming community.
The summit is billed as a deep dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the evolving dynamics of media dealmaking and the construction of franchise ecosystems, to the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, EA’s Chief Experiences Officer, who will discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
Tinson’s expertise lies in designing immersive experiences that bridge video games, film, and emerging digital formats, and his insights will help illuminate how traditional studios can collaborate with game developers to create richer, multi‑platform storytelling. Another notable session will see Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, speaking about the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage.
Xiao will examine how Tencent’s portfolio of titles—ranging from mobile hits to console blockbusters—has helped propel Asian gaming aesthetics, narratives, and monetisation models into mainstream Western markets, and what this means for future cross‑border collaborations. The summit’s keynote roster includes several marquee names: Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will likely address the streaming giant’s strategy for integrating interactive and game‑based content into its already extensive library; Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media; Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to leveraging its cinematic IPs across gaming and other interactive formats; and David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide insight into the monetisation of digital comics and how these properties are increasingly being adapted for games and streaming series.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and participants, including senior figures from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives representing brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, offering a panoramic view of how each company is navigating the shifting entertainment landscape. Talent agencies will also have a strong presence, with representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency attending. Their involvement underscores the importance of talent management and creative representation in an era where intellectual property can flow seamlessly between games, movies, television, and live events.
For professionals and enthusiasts who wish to attend, tickets are currently on sale for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 % discount on registration when they apply the promo code GIB20 or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This reduced rate is designed to encourage broader participation from the gaming community, ensuring that the conversation includes voices from both the interactive and traditional media sectors. The Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media convergence.
By convening leaders from the worlds of gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment, the event will shed light on how these industries can collaborate to create new revenue streams, deepen audience engagement, and push the boundaries of storytelling. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or an investor, the insights shared at this summit will provide a roadmap for navigating the increasingly interconnected entertainment ecosystem. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities with peers from across the sector, as well as access to exclusive panels that dissect current trends and forecast upcoming shifts. The inclusion of AI discussions signals a forward‑looking agenda, recognizing that machine learning tools are already influencing everything from content recommendation engines to procedural generation in games.
Moreover, the focus on live entertainment reflects a resurgence of in‑person experiences that complement digital consumption, offering hybrid models that can drive fan loyalty and additional revenue. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit in September will serve as a crossroads where the most influential voices from gaming giants like EA and Tencent intersect with streaming titans such as Netflix and traditional media conglomerates like Sony and Disney. With a robust agenda covering dealmaking, franchise development, cultural export, AI, and monetisation, the event is set to shape the conversation around the next generation of entertainment.
Those interested in securing a spot should act promptly, as tickets are limited and the discount for GamesIndustry.biz readers provides a valuable incentive to join this landmark gathering.