The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile figures from the video‑game sector, representing Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top 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 wider audience. The summit’s central theme is the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised. Key discussion points include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for generating revenue from content across multiple platforms. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will join a cross‑medium entertainment discussion alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
Their conversation is expected to examine how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and interactive experiences, and how collaborative storytelling can unlock new revenue streams. Representing Tencent Games, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships, will take part in a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will discuss how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining footholds in Western markets, the strategies behind successful localisation, and the impact of these trends on global entertainment consumption patterns. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential voices in the industry.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to global storytelling. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will speak about the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the studio’s vision for integrating gaming, film, and television under a unified brand umbrella.
Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the synergies between web‑based storytelling and other entertainment formats. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will host 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 on everything from streaming economics to the role of sports franchises in content creation. Representatives from leading 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 a multi‑platform world.
The summit promises ample networking opportunities, with attendees ranging from senior leaders at EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount to influential talent‑agency professionals. This blend of gaming, film, television, sports, and talent‑representation expertise underscores the event’s commitment to fostering cross‑industry dialogue.
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 percent 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. This reduced‑price offer aims to make the summit more accessible to professionals who are keen to stay ahead of the rapid changes shaping the entertainment landscape. Overall, the summit serves as a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in understanding how traditional media, interactive gaming, live experiences, and emerging technologies intersect to create the next generation of entertainment.
By bringing together a curated mix of industry veterans and forward‑thinking innovators, the Financial Times’ Business of Entertainment Summit aims to deliver actionable insights, foster strategic partnerships, and chart a roadmap for the future of global content creation and distribution.