The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to convene in Los Angeles this September. Among the high‑profile participants are representatives from the video‑game powerhouses Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the platform with top brass from traditional media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz, together with its parent organization IGNE Entertainment, is serving as a promotional partner for the gathering.
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 value chain. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the intricate economics of franchise ecosystems to the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands. Other agenda items include the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and emerging models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world.
One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium storytelling and the ways in which game developers are collaborating with film and television partners to build richer, multi‑platform experiences.
In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian creators are influencing global tastes and how Western distributors can engage with these trends. The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the conference with insights into the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its approach to global content distribution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s film and television pipeline in the age of streaming.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the rapid growth of digital comics and their integration into broader entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and contributors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will join the conversation, offering viewpoints from both the sports and traditional media sectors. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent management in the modern entertainment economy.
The event promises ample networking opportunities, with attendees ranging from senior leaders at EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount to influential agents and consultants who shape talent deals and brand partnerships. The mix of gaming, film, television, sports, and live‑event professionals reflects the increasingly blurred boundaries between these once‑distinct domains. 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 special 20% 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 by the publication. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit will serve as a convergence point for the most influential voices shaping the future of entertainment. By gathering leaders from interactive gaming, streaming services, major studios, live‑event promoters, and talent agencies, the conference aims to foster dialogue on how content is created, distributed, and monetised across an ever‑expanding array of platforms. Whether you are a senior executive seeking strategic insights, a creator looking to understand the shifting market dynamics, or an industry observer interested in the latest trends, the summit offers a comprehensive look at the forces that are redefining how audiences engage with entertainment worldwide.