The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, slated for September in Los Angeles. Among the gaming sector representatives are senior figures from 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 gathering, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicize the event.
Designed to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit will convene a broad cross‑section of industry leaders—from game developers and publishers to film studios, streaming platforms, live‑event promoters and talent agencies. The agenda is built around a series of forward‑looking discussions that examine how media deals are being negotiated in an increasingly fragmented marketplace, how franchise ecosystems are evolving across multiple platforms, and how global cultural influence is shifting as Asian content gains a larger foothold in Western markets.
Additional topics include the role of live experiences in a digital‑first world, the emerging possibilities of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the next wave of strategies for monetising content in an era where subscription fatigue and ad‑supported models coexist. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss "cross‑medium entertainment"—a conversation that will explore how video games, movies, television series and interactive experiences can be woven together to create cohesive, multi‑layered storytelling universes. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao, who leads North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will take part in a separate discussion focused on the "global rise of Asia's cultural exports." In this session, Xiao is expected to address how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are breaking into Western markets, the challenges of localization, and the strategic partnerships that are enabling these cultural products to resonate with a worldwide audience.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into how the streaming giant is navigating a crowded content landscape while continuing to invest heavily in original series, films and interactive media. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and media distribution, highlighting the synergies between live events and on‑demand streaming.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to leveraging its extensive library of intellectual property across film, television and gaming platforms. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial viewpoint on the rapid growth of digital comics and their expanding role in the broader entertainment ecosystem. 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 other influential organizations. Representatives from talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in the evolving media landscape.
Attendees will have the option to join the summit either in person, taking advantage of the West Hollywood venue’s networking opportunities, or virtually, via a digital platform that will stream the panels and keynotes live. To encourage participation from the gaming journalism community, GamesIndustry.biz is offering its readers a special 20 percent discount on ticket purchases. Readers can claim the reduced rate by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided in the event’s promotional materials. The Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, live sports and emerging technologies.
By bringing together executives from both legacy media companies and the fast‑growing interactive entertainment sector, the event aims to foster dialogue that will shape the strategic direction of the industry for years to come. Whether you are a content creator, a distributor, a technology provider, or a talent agent, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insights, forge partnerships and stay ahead of the trends that are redefining how audiences consume entertainment worldwide.