The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the marquee names are representatives from two of the world’s most influential video‑game companies—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside high‑profile 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it will convene top‑level decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Topics on the agenda span a broad spectrum: the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and new models for monetising content in a rapidly changing market. One of the featured panels will spotlight David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will join executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories and properties can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats.
In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how games, music, film, and other creative outputs from the region are gaining traction on a global scale. The summit’s keynote lineup includes several industry titans.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on the broader media landscape. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will offer his perspective on studio operations in an era of streaming and franchise‑driven storytelling. Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will explore the financial dynamics of digital comic platforms and their role in the larger entertainment value chain. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others.
Executives representing iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, underscoring the event’s focus on the intersection of creative talent and corporate strategy. The Business of Entertainment Summit offers both digital and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants to choose the format that best fits their schedule and preferences. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—provides a 20 percent discount on ticket purchases.
The discount can be applied directly at checkout or by following a dedicated link supplied by the publication. This incentive is designed to encourage industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to engage with the summit’s thought‑leading discussions and to foster a collaborative environment where ideas about the future of entertainment can be exchanged. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the forces that are redefining how stories are created, distributed, and monetised across the globe.
With a blend of gaming giants, streaming platforms, traditional studios, and live‑event operators, the conference will provide a comprehensive view of the entertainment ecosystem’s present challenges and future opportunities. Attendees can look forward to insightful panels, high‑level keynotes, and valuable networking sessions—all aimed at shaping the next chapter of global entertainment.