The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to 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 share the stage with top leaders 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 event, 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 will bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees can expect in‑depth conversations about a broad array of subjects, including the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural impact of entertainment products, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and the next generation of content monetisation strategies.
One of the featured panels will be moderated by David Tinson, who serves as Chief Experiences Officer at EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television and other formats, creating richer, more interconnected experiences for audiences worldwide. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will join a discussion focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao’s insights will explore how Chinese and broader Asian gaming content is gaining traction in Western markets and what that means for the future of global entertainment.
The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the summit with a perspective on how streaming platforms are redef’ing content creation and distribution.
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will share his vision for the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will speak about the studio’s strategy for integrating film, television and interactive media. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will address the financial dynamics of digital comics and their growing influence on multimedia storytelling. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse set of panelists from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other notable companies.
Executives representing brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, providing a wide spectrum of viewpoints on how traditional and emerging media intersect. Talent agencies will also have a strong presence.
Representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will attend, underscoring the importance of talent representation in navigating the increasingly complex entertainment landscape. The event offers both digital and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—provides a 20 percent discount on ticket purchases.
The discount can be applied directly at checkout or by following the dedicated link provided in the promotional material. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media, gaming, and live entertainment.
By convening leaders from both the interactive and linear sectors, the summit aims to foster collaboration, spark innovative ideas and chart a roadmap for the next era of entertainment that will be shaped by technology, cultural exchange and evolving consumer expectations. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or an investor, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insight, network with peers and explore the strategic opportunities that lie ahead in a rapidly changing industry.