The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the distinguished speakers are top leaders from the video‑game sector, representing Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside a broad array of senior figures from traditional linear‑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 in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word to the wider entertainment community. The summit is framed around the theme “forces reshaping entertainment,” a broad concept that captures the rapid evolution occurring across the entire media landscape.
Attendees will hear insights from leaders who are navigating the convergence of gaming, streaming, live events, and emerging technologies. Topics on the agenda include the mechanics of media dealmaking in a multi‑platform world, the creation and management of franchise ecosystems that span games, films, television series and merchandise, the growing global cultural influence of Asian entertainment products, the future of live‑experience productions, the potential role of artificial intelligence in crafting more personalized fan interactions, and new models for monetising content in an era where subscription fatigue and ad‑free expectations are reshaping revenue streams. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, the President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will join executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies—how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, movies, television series and even theme‑park experiences.
Their conversation is expected to delve into case studies such as the "FIFA" franchise’s expansion into esports tournaments, cinematic tie‑ins, and collaborative storytelling initiatives that bring together developers, writers, and directors. Another notable session will showcase Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will moderate a panel that examines the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage. The discussion will likely cover the success of titles like "Honor of Kings" and "PUBG Mobile," the strategic partnerships Tencent has forged with Western publishers, and how Chinese developers are adapting their games for diverse regional markets while retaining distinctive cultural elements.
This dialogue will also explore the broader implications for media companies seeking to tap into the massive audiences that Asian creators are now reaching. Keynote speakers for the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will share insights into the streaming giant’s content‑creation strategy and its approach to integrating interactive storytelling formats.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the evolving landscape of live‑sport and combat‑entertainment production, especially as it intersects with digital distribution and virtual‑reality experiences. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the challenges and opportunities of managing a portfolio that spans blockbuster films, television franchises, and gaming IPs. David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the ways in which short‑form visual storytelling is influencing longer‑form media. In addition to the headline speakers, the summit will feature a wide array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other leading organisations.
Executives representing iconic brands such as Pokémon, Apple, Paramount and many more will be present, creating a fertile networking environment for cross‑industry collaboration. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent management in the new entertainment ecosystem. The event offers both digital and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants from around the world to join the conversation. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—provides a 20% discount on ticket purchases.
The discount can be applied directly through the event’s registration portal using the code or via the dedicated link supplied by GamesIndustry.biz. This incentive aims to encourage more professionals from the gaming sector to engage with the broader entertainment dialogue and to foster deeper connections between game developers and traditional media executives. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a landmark gathering where the most influential voices in gaming, streaming, film, live sport and emerging technology converge. By exploring how AI can enhance fan experiences, how global cultural trends are reshaping content pipelines, and how new monetisation models can sustain creative ambition, the summit will provide actionable insights for anyone looking to thrive in the rapidly changing world of entertainment.
Whether attending in person in West Hollywood or joining virtually, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the strategic pathways that will define the next decade of media and entertainment.