The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game companies, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside high‑profile executives from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group.
GamesIndustry.biz is proud to serve as a promotional partner for the event, working in concert with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring this gathering to a wider audience. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum 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 construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, Chief Experience Officer at EA, who will discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells. Tinson’s expertise in blending interactive gaming experiences with broader entertainment properties will provide valuable insight into how game studios can extend their IPs beyond the console and into film, television, and live events. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will join a discussion focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports.
Xiao will examine how Tencent’s massive portfolio of games and digital experiences is influencing markets worldwide, and how the company is leveraging partnerships to bring Asian‑origin content to Western audiences. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant’s vision for the next wave of original programming and its strategy for integrating interactive storytelling into its catalog.
Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will speak about the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how live‑event brands are adapting to a fragmented audience landscape. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide perspective on the studio’s approach to building long‑term franchise ecosystems that span movies, television, gaming, and merchandising. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will discuss the monetisation of digital comics and how the platform’s data‑driven approach is unlocking new revenue streams for creators.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the program includes a diverse slate of panelists and presenters from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and many other influential companies. Executives from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, offering a rare opportunity for cross‑industry networking and knowledge sharing.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also attend, underscoring the summit’s focus on the intersection of content creation, talent representation, and distribution. The event is designed to be accessible to a broad audience. Tickets are currently on sale for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. To encourage readership engagement, GamesIndustry.biz is offering a special 20% discount to its community.
Readers can claim the reduced rate by entering the promo code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided in the announcement. This discount makes it easier for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation without the barrier of a full‑price ticket. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media and entertainment. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and talent representation, the summit will illuminate how these sectors are increasingly intertwined and how they can collaborate to create richer, more immersive experiences for global audiences.
Whether you are a seasoned executive, an emerging creator, or a curious observer of the entertainment landscape, the summit offers a unique platform to hear directly from the architects of tomorrow’s media ecosystem and to participate in shaping the direction of the industry.