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. 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 share the stage with high‑profile 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 summit, working alongside 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," convening top‑level executives from across the entire entertainment value chain.
Attendees will explore a wide array of topics that are currently redefining the industry: the mechanics of media dealmaking in an increasingly fragmented marketplace, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television and live experiences, the growing cultural impact of global entertainment products, the evolution of live‑event formats, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content in a digital‑first world. One of the headline panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA.
Tinson will sit on a discussion about cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. Their conversation is expected to examine how video‑game IP can be leveraged across movies, series, merchandise and experiential events, creating a seamless brand experience for consumers.
In a complementary session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will share insights into how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are breaking into Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate this expansion, and the cultural nuances that influence player reception across continents. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a perspective on how streaming giants are adapting to the convergence of gaming and video content. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergies between live‑sport entertainment and digital media, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s strategy for integrating interactive storytelling into its cinematic slate.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the monetisation of digital comics and their crossover potential into games and screen adaptations. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse roster of panelists and contributors.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will join the conversation, each bringing a unique viewpoint on how their respective sectors are navigating the rapidly shifting entertainment landscape. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, highlighting the importance of talent management and creator partnerships in an era where content is increasingly multi‑platform.
The event is designed to be accessible to both in‑person participants and remote attendees. Tickets are currently on sale for both formats, and GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy an exclusive 20 % discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizers.
This discount aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming and entertainment community to engage with the summit’s thought‑leadership sessions, network opportunities, and insider perspectives. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, streaming, film, sports and live events. By assembling senior executives from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the conference will illuminate the collaborative pathways that are shaping the next generation of entertainment experiences.
Whether you are a content creator, a media executive, a developer, or a fan eager to understand the forces driving change, the summit offers a rare chance to hear directly from the architects of today’s most influential entertainment brands.