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 the video‑game sector—specifically senior executives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with high‑profile leaders from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group.
GamesIndustry.biz is acting as a promotional partner for the event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicize the summit. 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 range of subjects that are currently redefining how audiences consume content. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑experience formats, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as Chief Experiences Officer at EA.
He will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies—how video‑games, film, television and other formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive storytelling experiences for consumers. In a separate discussion, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address the accelerating global impact of Asian cultural exports, offering insights into how Chinese and broader Asian gaming properties are gaining traction in Western markets and influencing worldwide entertainment trends. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote that is expected to cover the streaming giant’s content strategy and its vision for the future of digital entertainment. Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to franchise development and global distribution, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their role in the broader entertainment economy.
Beyond the keynotes, the agenda includes a host of speakers representing a diverse cross‑section of the industry. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints, ensuring that the conversation captures the full spectrum of modern entertainment—from streaming services and sports franchises to cinema chains and theme‑park operators.
In addition, representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will be on hand to discuss the evolving relationship between talent representation and content creation in a rapidly changing market. The event will also feature participation from a range of other notable companies. Attendees can expect to see leaders from EA, the Pokémon franchise, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount, among others, mingling and networking throughout the summit. This convergence of talent from both the gaming world and traditional media sectors underscores the increasingly blurred lines between interactive and passive forms of entertainment.
Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 percent discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can either enter the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided in the event’s promotional materials.
This discount is designed to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the summit’s discussions, fostering cross‑industry dialogue and collaboration. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future direction of entertainment.
By bringing together senior executives from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and talent representation, the conference aims to surface insights that will shape strategic decisions for years to come. Whether you are a content creator, a media executive, a developer, or an industry analyst, the summit offers a unique platform to hear directly from the leaders who are steering the next wave of entertainment innovation.