The Financial Times has announced the full 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 two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside top executives 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 summit, working in collaboration with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," gathering 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 economics of franchise ecosystems to the growing global cultural impact of entertainment content.
Other focal points include the rise of live‑event experiences, the ways artificial intelligence can enhance fan interaction, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium storytelling alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. Their conversation is expected to examine how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, streaming services, and even live performances, creating a seamless entertainment continuum that engages audiences wherever they consume media.
Another high‑profile session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will speak on a panel dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insight into how Chinese gaming studios are expanding their reach beyond domestic markets and influencing worldwide entertainment trends. The panel will likely address topics such as localization strategies, cross‑border collaborations, and the role of gaming in promoting broader cultural narratives. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share her perspective on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its implications for the broader industry. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide a look into the studio’s upcoming slate and its approach to integrating interactive experiences. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will offer a financial viewpoint on the rapidly expanding world of digital comics and their synergy with gaming and streaming platforms.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse set of participants, including senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Representatives from major talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the event’s emphasis on the intersection of talent representation and content creation. The audience will be a mix of industry veterans, emerging creators, investors, and media analysts, all gathering to network and exchange ideas about the next wave of entertainment innovation.
The event will be hosted in West Hollywood, a hub for both traditional Hollywood studios and the burgeoning tech‑driven entertainment sector, providing an ideal backdrop for conversations that bridge legacy media and next‑generation digital experiences. Tickets for the summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance.
GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 % discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced rate is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the summit’s high‑level discourse and to foster cross‑industry collaboration. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a landmark gathering that highlights the increasingly intertwined nature of gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment.
By featuring leaders from EA, Tencent, Netflix, Sony, Disney and other major players, the conference aims to chart the future direction of an industry that is rapidly evolving under the influence of technology, cultural shifts, and new business models. Attendees can look forward to insightful panels, forward‑thinking keynotes, and ample networking opportunities—all designed to illuminate the pathways that will define entertainment for the next decade.