The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the gaming sector representatives are top 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. The event is being promoted in partnership with GamesIndustry.biz, which is also a promotional collaborator through its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. Designed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment value chain.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and innovative approaches to revenue generation in an increasingly digital world.
One of the featured panels will spotlight David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior representatives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories and IP can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and other formats.
In a separate discussion, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, examining how Chinese and broader Asian creators are influencing trends in gaming, streaming, and beyond. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media distribution.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for integrating traditional filmmaking with emerging digital platforms. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the booming market for digital comics and their crossover potential into other media formats. Beyond the keynotes, a diverse array of speakers will contribute to the conversation, including senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball franchise, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Representatives from iconic gaming brands such as EA, Pokémon, and Apple’s entertainment division will also be present, ensuring that the dialogue reflects a truly interdisciplinary viewpoint. Talent agencies play a pivotal role in shaping entertainment careers, and the summit will feature delegates from major agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their participation underscores the importance of talent representation in negotiating deals, crafting narratives, and navigating the increasingly complex entertainment ecosystem.
For those unable to travel to Los Angeles, the summit offers both digital and in‑person attendance options. Tickets are now on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20% discount. To claim the reduced rate, readers can apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the event organizers. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a comprehensive forum where industry veterans, innovators, and emerging voices can exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart the future direction of entertainment across all mediums.
Whether you are a game developer looking to expand into film, a streaming service seeking new franchise opportunities, or a talent agent aiming to navigate the shifting terrain of media rights, the summit offers valuable insights and networking possibilities that reflect the dynamic, interconnected nature of today’s entertainment landscape.