The Financial Times has announced the executive roster for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. The lineup now features senior figures from the video‑game sector, notably representatives from Electronic Arts (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 alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience.
Designed to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit will convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees can expect in‑depth conversations about the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the next wave of content monetisation strategies. By bringing together leaders from film, television, gaming, sports, and live‑performance sectors, the summit aims to map out how these once‑distinct worlds are converging into a single, fluid entertainment continuum. Among the gaming representatives, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts, will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment.
This discussion will also feature executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, focusing on how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, movies, series, and other formats. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, highlighting the ways Chinese and broader Asian creators are influencing worldwide tastes and consumption patterns. The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between sports entertainment and broader media properties. Sony Pictures’ Chairman and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, will share perspectives on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international market penetration. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will examine the monetisation of digital comics and the opportunities they present for cross‑platform storytelling. Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda includes a diverse array of panelists and participants.
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 traditional film studios and cinema chains. Representatives from major talent agencies, including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency, will also be present, offering a glimpse into how talent representation is adapting to an increasingly interconnected media environment. The summit promises not only thought‑leadership but also valuable networking opportunities.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with senior leaders from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations across mediums. The presence of talent‑agency executives further underscores the event’s role as a hub where creators, distributors, and financiers intersect.
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. To encourage readership engagement, GamesIndustry.biz is offering a 20 percent discount to its audience. Subscribers can claim the reduced rate by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the publication.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit will serve as a pivotal forum for dissecting the transformative trends that are redefining how stories are told, consumed, and monetised across the globe. By bringing together a cross‑section of leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and talent representation, the event will illuminate the collaborative pathways that are shaping the future of entertainment. Whether attending in person or online, participants will leave with a richer understanding of the strategic forces at play and the opportunities that lie ahead for creators and businesses alike.