The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. In addition to heavyweight representatives from traditional media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group, the conference will feature prominent voices from the video‑game sector, specifically senior executives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games. GamesIndustry.biz is listed as a promotional partner for the event, working alongside its parent company IGNE Entertainment to help spread the word.
The summit’s core purpose is to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment" and to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the industry—film, television, streaming, gaming, live events, sports, and ancillary services. Attendees will examine a broad set of topics that are currently redefining how audiences consume content and how creators monetize their work. The agenda includes deep dives into media dealmaking strategies, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the evolution of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan engagement, and the future pathways for content monetisation across multiple platforms.
One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium entertainment—how stories and IP can flow seamlessly between games, movies, series, and other formats. Their conversation is expected to shed light on best practices for leveraging a single intellectual property across a variety of channels, thereby maximizing audience reach and revenue potential.
Another key discussion will be led by Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will join a panel focusing on the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage.
The session will explore how Chinese and broader Asian creators are breaking into Western markets, the strategic partnerships that make this possible, and the ways in which cultural nuance can be preserved while appealing to a worldwide audience. The summit’s keynote lineup reads like a who’s‑who of the entertainment world.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to nurturing original storytelling. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media rights in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s global distribution model and its plans for integrating emerging technologies into the filmmaking process. David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will round out the keynote speakers, offering a financial lens on the booming digital comics market and its crossover potential with other media forms. Beyond the headline speakers, the event will host a diverse array of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment ecosystem. The summit is designed to be accessible both in person and virtually, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 percent discount. To claim the reduced rate, readers can either apply the promo code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of media, technology, and culture. By convening leaders from both legacy media companies and fast‑growing game publishers, the event aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration and spark innovative ideas that will shape the future of entertainment for years to come.