The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. The line‑up now includes representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside a host of leaders 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 bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the intricate web of franchise ecosystems to the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands. Other discussion points will include the future of live‑event experiences, the role artificial intelligence could play in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and emerging models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. Among the gaming executives slated to speak, David Tinson, who leads the Chief Experiences Office at EA, will join a panel focused on cross‑medium storytelling.
The session will also feature senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells, offering a multi‑disciplinary perspective on how games, film, and television can intersect to create richer, more engaging experiences for audiences. In a separate discussion, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, shedding light on how Chinese gaming IPs and related media are gaining traction worldwide. The summit’s keynote roster reads like a who's‑who of the entertainment industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to global storytelling.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on live‑sport and combat‑entertainment business models. Sony Pictures will be represented by Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja, who will discuss the studio’s plans for integrating gaming talent and technology into its film and television pipelines.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will examine the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their expanding role in transmedia franchises. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and contributors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will take part in sessions that explore everything from sports‑driven content strategies to the future of cinema exhibition in a post‑pandemic environment. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand to discuss the evolving relationship between talent representation and new media platforms.
The event promises ample networking opportunities as well. Attendees will be able to mingle with senior leaders from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures, fostering cross‑industry collaborations that could shape the next wave of entertainment innovation. The presence of talent‑agency representatives further underscores the summit’s focus on bridging the gap between creative talent and the business mechanisms that bring content to market. 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 an exclusive 20 % discount on the registration fee when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This reduced rate is designed to encourage more members of the gaming community to join the conversation alongside their counterparts in film, television, sports and live‑event sectors.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique platform for senior executives from gaming, streaming, film, sports and live‑event industries to exchange ideas, showcase emerging trends and explore collaborative opportunities. By featuring high‑profile speakers from EA, Tencent Games, Netflix, Sony Pictures and many other leading companies, the summit underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of modern entertainment.
Whether attending in person or joining remotely, participants will gain valuable insights into how technology, storytelling and cultural shifts are jointly redefining the way audiences experience entertainment worldwide.