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 high‑profile participants are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside top executives 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 conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit is framed around the theme “forces reshaping entertainment,” and it aims to bring together thought leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how audiences consume content. These include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, 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 highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, EA’s Chief Experience Officer, who will discuss cross‑medium storytelling alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The conversation is expected to examine how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and emerging interactive formats, creating seamless experiences that keep fans engaged across multiple platforms. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will join a discussion on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. This panel will look at how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are breaking into Western markets, influencing trends in game design, and contributing to a more diversified global entertainment diet.
The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on the broader media landscape. Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide a perspective on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will discuss the monetisation of digital comics and the ways in which web‑based storytelling is intersecting with gaming and video content. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and presenters, including senior executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Representatives from leading talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, offering their viewpoints on talent management in an era where creators often wear multiple hats across gaming, streaming, and live performance.
The event promises ample networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to mingle with leaders from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, Paramount and many other influential companies. The presence of talent‑agency representatives further underscores the summit’s focus on the business side of entertainment, where deals are struck and collaborations are forged.
Tickets are currently on sale for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special benefit: they can claim a 20 percent discount by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organisers. This reduced rate makes it easier for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation about where entertainment is headed in the next decade. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit offers a comprehensive look at the forces that are reshaping how stories are told, distributed and monetised across the globe.
With a blend of gaming giants, streaming titans, film studios and sports entertainment leaders, the conference is set to deliver a multifaceted dialogue that reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of modern media. Whether you are a content creator, a media executive, a developer, or a fan of the evolving entertainment landscape, the summit provides a unique platform to gain insights, forge connections, and explore the future of the industry.