The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the gaming‑industry representatives are senior figures from 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 is acting as a promotional partner for the summit, together with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit’s purpose is to examine the "forces reshaping entertainment" and to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the media ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad set of topics that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised. Discussion points include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms.
One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will sit on a cross‑medium entertainment discussion alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. Their conversation is expected to delve into how video‑game IP can be leveraged across film, television, and emerging digital formats, and how collaborative storytelling can unlock new revenue streams. Additionally, Tian Xiao, who heads North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will appear on a separate panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
Xiao will provide insight into how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining traction in Western markets, the strategies behind successful localization, and the role of cross‑border partnerships in expanding cultural influence. 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 a fragmented audience landscape and the importance of original, globally resonant storytelling.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and traditional media, highlighting how live‑event revenue models are evolving in the digital age. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for integrating cinematic experiences with interactive media, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will examine the financial mechanics behind digital comic platforms and their role in feeding larger entertainment franchises.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse slate of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and many other leading entities. Executives representing EA, the Pokémon franchise, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s current trajectory. Talent‑agency representatives from CAA, United Talent Agency and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in shaping the future of entertainment. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20% discount on the registration fee when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This reduced rate is intended to encourage more members of the gaming community to join the conversation and gain exposure to the broader media trends that are influencing their own sector. The summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment.
By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the event aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and identify the next wave of opportunities that will define entertainment in the coming decade. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a media analyst, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique platform to hear directly from the architects of today’s most influential entertainment brands and to network with peers who are shaping the future of the industry.