The Financial Times has announced the executive roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, slated to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the distinguished speakers are senior figures from the video‑game sector, specifically EA and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top brass 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 tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene thought‑leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects, ranging from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the intricate web of franchise ecosystems to the growing global cultural impact of entertainment products. Additional panels will examine the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and emerging models for monetising content across multiple platforms. One of the highlighted sessions will feature David Tinson, who heads the Chief Experiences office at EA. Tinson will sit on a cross‑medium entertainment panel alongside representatives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
The discussion is expected to delve into how interactive experiences can be woven into traditional storytelling formats, creating richer, more immersive worlds for consumers. Complementing this, Tian Xiao, the Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will contribute to a conversation about the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His insights will likely address how Chinese and broader Asian gaming IPs are gaining traction in Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate this growth, and the cultural nuances that influence consumer reception.
The keynote lineup boasts several marquee names. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the summit with a perspective on how streaming giants are redefining content pipelines and audience engagement. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting synergies between live events and on‑demand platforms.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights on the studio’s approach to leveraging its extensive library for new revenue streams, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will examine the financial mechanics behind digital comic platforms and their role in the broader entertainment economy. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse roster that includes executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Representatives from leading talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be present, offering a window into how talent representation is adapting to the shifting media landscape. The event promises ample networking opportunities, with attendees from a spectrum of companies—including EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount—expected to mingle and exchange ideas.
This cross‑industry interaction is intended to spark collaborations that could shape the next wave of entertainment innovations. Tickets are now on sale for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20% discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
This reduced rate is designed to make the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow industry trends closely. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit aims to serve as a nexus for leaders across gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment to discuss the transformative forces at play. By bringing together executives from both legacy media firms and cutting‑edge game developers, the conference seeks to foster dialogue that will illuminate pathways for future growth, creative collaboration, and sustainable monetisation in an increasingly interconnected entertainment world.