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 marquee names are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with top brass 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 gathering, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures everything from the evolving economics of media rights to the ways in which franchises are built, managed, and monetised across multiple platforms. Attendees will hear discussions on the growing influence of global culture, the rise of live‑event experiences, the promise and perils of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for content revenue generation. By convening leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and live‑performance sectors, the conference aims to map out the intersecting trends that are redefining how audiences consume entertainment today.
One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA, who will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The discussion, titled "Cross‑Medium Entertainment," will explore how video‑game IPs are being translated into movies, series, and other forms of media, and how those cross‑overs can create richer, more immersive ecosystems for fans. Tinson is expected to draw on EA’s recent successes with titles such as "FIFA," "Madden NFL," and the "Star Wars" franchise, illustrating how the company leverages its gaming assets to forge partnerships with Hollywood studios and streaming platforms.
Another important conversation will be led by Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will join a panel focusing on "The Global Rise of Asia’s Cultural Exports," a topic that has gained urgency as Chinese and broader Asian entertainment products continue to capture worldwide market share. Tencent’s portfolio—spanning titles like "Honor of Kings," "PUBG Mobile," and a growing slate of original IP—provides a compelling case study in how Asian developers can scale globally while navigating regulatory landscapes and cultural nuances.
Xiao is likely to discuss strategic collaborations with Western publishers, the role of localized content, and the impact of emerging technologies such as cloud gaming on expanding reach. Keynote speakers for the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to nurturing global franchises. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how live‑event brands like UFC and WWE are adapting to a fragmented, on‑demand audience.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will speak on the studio’s efforts to integrate gaming IPs into its film pipeline, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will discuss the monetisation of digital comics and the potential for cross‑platform storytelling. The summit also boasts a robust lineup of additional speakers from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Representatives from major talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will be on hand to provide perspective on talent management in a multi‑platform world.
Tickets for the event are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 % discount when they use the promo code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided in the announcement. This reduced rate is intended to encourage more members of the gaming press and industry professionals to join the conversation, ensuring that the dialogue reflects a diverse range of viewpoints.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for anyone interested in the future of media, where the lines between gaming, film, television, sports, and live experiences are increasingly blurred. By bringing together senior leaders from both the interactive and linear sectors, the event will illuminate the collaborative opportunities and competitive challenges that lie ahead, offering attendees actionable insights and networking opportunities that could shape strategies for years to come.