The Financial Times has announced the 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 game‑making companies—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside high‑profile figures 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 gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to convene senior leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. 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 products, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and new models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. One of the featured panels will spotlight David Tinson, EA’s Chief Experiences Officer.
Tinson will join executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies—how video‑game storytelling can intersect with film, television and other formats to create richer, more engaging experiences for audiences. Another panel will feature Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, who will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, examining how games, music, film and other media from the region are gaining traction worldwide and what that means for Western creators.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to global storytelling. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and digital media. Sony Pictures’ Chairman and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, will offer a perspective on the studio’s evolving film and television portfolio, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will talk about the monetisation of digital comics and the opportunities they present for cross‑platform adaptation.
In addition to the headline speakers, the event will feature a broad array of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, underscoring the summit’s emphasis on the interconnected nature of content creation, distribution and talent representation.
Attendees will have the chance to network with executives from a wide spectrum of firms, ranging from EA and the Pokémon brand to Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures. The presence of these industry titans highlights the summit’s ambition to serve as a crossroads where gaming, film, television, sports, live events and emerging technologies intersect. 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 enjoy a special 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site.
This reduced rate is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow the gaming and broader entertainment beats. Overall, the event promises to deliver a comprehensive look at how the entertainment landscape is being reshaped by digital innovation, cross‑industry collaboration and shifting consumer preferences.
By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports and talent agencies, the Financial Times aims to foster dialogue that can help chart the future direction of the industry, offering actionable insights for anyone involved in creating, distributing or monetising entertainment content in the years ahead.