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 event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," convening decision‑makers from every corner of the industry—film, television, gaming, live events, and emerging technology—to explore how the landscape is evolving.
Topics on the agenda include the mechanics of media dealmaking in a fragmented market, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems that span multiple platforms, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment content, the future of live‑experience production, the role artificial intelligence could play in enhancing fan interaction, and new models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and Madison Wells, a narrative‑driven production company, to discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies—how games, movies, TV series, and other forms of media can be woven together to create richer, more immersive experiences for audiences.
Another key discussion will be led by Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, who will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage and what that means for creators and distributors outside the region. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into how streaming giants are navigating a crowded marketplace while continuing to invest in original storytelling.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and mainstream media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for integrating film, television, and interactive media, and David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will discuss the monetisation potential of digital comics and how they feed into broader entertainment ecosystems.
Additional speakers include senior executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring that attendees receive a panoramic view of the industry’s current challenges and future opportunities. Representatives from talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be on hand, underscoring the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment economy. The summit is designed for both in‑person and virtual participants. Tickets are now on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 % discount by applying the promo code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the publication.
This reduced rate is intended to make the event more accessible to professionals who work within the games sector but want to broaden their understanding of how their work intersects with film, television, sports, and live‑event production. By bringing together leaders from such a diverse set of companies—ranging from EA, which has a legacy of blockbuster game franchises, to Tencent Games, a powerhouse driving the rise of Asian titles in Western markets, to streaming giants like Netflix and legacy studios like Sony Pictures—the summit promises to surface fresh ideas about collaboration, content creation, and distribution.
Attendees can expect to leave with a clearer sense of how to navigate the increasingly intertwined worlds of interactive and passive entertainment, how to leverage AI tools for personalized fan experiences, and how to structure deals that maximise revenue across multiple channels. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique forum for senior executives, creative talent, and industry analysts to explore the shifting dynamics that define modern entertainment.
Whether you are a game developer looking to expand into film, a studio executive seeking to understand the impact of esports, or a marketer interested in the next wave of AI‑driven fan engagement, the event provides a platform for learning, networking, and strategic planning. Secure your spot today and take advantage of the exclusive discount for GamesIndustry.biz readers.