The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s largest video‑game companies—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with high‑profile figures 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 event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the gathering to a wider audience.
The summit’s overarching theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum 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 construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. One of the marquee sessions will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts.
Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment, a discussion that will also include senior leaders from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The panel aims to dissect how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and emerging digital formats, and how collaboration between game studios and traditional studios can unlock new revenue streams and storytelling possibilities. Another high‑impact conversation will be led by Tian Xiao, the Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games.
Xiao will contribute to a discussion focused on the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage. The dialogue will cover 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 consumer reception across different regions. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to building a globally resonant library.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media, highlighting how live‑event brands are adapting to digital consumption trends. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for integrating cinematic storytelling with interactive experiences. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning market for digital comics and their potential to feed into larger multimedia franchises. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and presenters.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints, offering a panoramic view of how different sectors within entertainment are navigating the same disruptive forces. 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 representation in the evolving media landscape.
The event promises ample networking opportunities as well. Attendees will have the chance to mingle with senior leaders from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount Pictures, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations across gaming, film, television, and live entertainment.
Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are currently 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 entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
This discount is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals who regularly cover the gaming industry and who can benefit from the cross‑industry insights the summit will deliver. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit is shaping up to be a pivotal gathering for anyone involved in the creation, distribution, or monetisation of entertainment content.
By bringing together senior executives from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the summit offers a rare platform for dialogue on how technology, culture, and business strategy intersect to shape the future of entertainment. Whether you are a content creator, a media executive, a talent agent, or a technology provider, the summit’s agenda and speaker lineup promise valuable takeaways that can inform strategic decisions in the months and years ahead.