The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. The lineup now features prominent figures from the video‑game sector, including representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, alongside a distinguished group 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 bring the event to a wider audience.
The summit is framed around the theme of "forces reshaping entertainment," and its purpose is to convene top‑level decision‑makers from the full spectrum of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad array of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized.
Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the development and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and innovative strategies for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. Among the most anticipated sessions is a cross‑medium entertainment panel that will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will share insights on how video‑games intersect with film, television and other media formats, discussing the opportunities and challenges that arise when intellectual property moves across platforms.
He will be joined by senior executives from Universal Entertainment as well as representatives from Madison Wells, a narrative‑production company known for its work on immersive storytelling projects. Their discussion is expected to highlight case studies where game franchises have successfully transitioned into blockbuster movies or streaming series, and to examine the strategic considerations that underpin such cross‑industry collaborations. Another highlight of the program is a panel focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports, where Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will speak. Xiao will address how Asian creators and studios are gaining unprecedented traction in Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate this expansion, and the ways in which cultural nuances are being adapted for global audiences without losing authenticity.
The conversation will also touch on the regulatory and market dynamics that shape the flow of content between Asia and the rest of the world. The summit’s keynote roster includes several high‑profile figures. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to nurturing original storytelling across diverse demographics.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the future of live‑event entertainment, drawing on his experience overseeing both combat sports and major entertainment spectacles. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights into the studio’s film and television pipeline, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will explore the monetisation models that have propelled digital comics into a mainstream entertainment format. Additional speakers include senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, each bringing their own perspective on the shifting terrain of media consumption.
The attendee list extends beyond corporate executives to include representatives from leading talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. This blend of studio heads, game developers, sports franchise owners, and talent agents underscores the summit’s ambition to foster cross‑industry dialogue and to uncover synergies that can drive the next wave of entertainment innovation.
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 are eligible for a 20% discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided in the event’s promotional materials. The discounted rate is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the broader entertainment discourse, recognizing that the boundaries between gaming, film, television and live experiences are becoming increasingly porous.
Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in understanding how the convergence of technology, storytelling, and global market forces is reshaping the entertainment landscape. By bringing together executives from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the event aims to generate actionable insights, foster strategic partnerships, and chart a roadmap for the future of content creation and distribution across all platforms.