The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s largest interactive‑entertainment companies—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with high‑profile figures 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, collaborating alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Participants will explore a wide array of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for extracting value from content across multiple platforms. One of the marquee 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 the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how video‑game IP can be leveraged across film, television, merchandising, and emerging digital formats. Their conversation is expected to highlight case studies where game franchises have successfully transitioned into blockbuster movies or streaming series, as well as the strategic considerations involved in protecting brand integrity while expanding into new media.
Another highlighted session will showcase Tian Xiao, the Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will join a panel focused on the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage. The discussion will examine how Chinese and broader Asian game developers are increasingly influencing worldwide trends, the challenges of navigating different regulatory environments, and the strategies employed to localize content for diverse audiences without diluting its core appeal. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver insights into the streaming giant’s approach to original storytelling and its investment in interactive formats. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, outlining how live‑event experiences are being reimagined for a connected audience. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s roadmap for integrating gaming talent and technology into its film pipeline.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will discuss the monetization of digital comics and the synergies between web‑based storytelling and interactive media. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a broad spectrum of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives from iconic brands like Pokémon, Apple, and Paramount will also be present, offering a truly cross‑industry perspective on entertainment’s future.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will be on hand to discuss the evolving role of talent representation in an era where creators often wear multiple hats across gaming, streaming, and live performance. Attendees will have the option to join the event either virtually or in person, with both formats designed to facilitate networking, panel participation, and real‑time Q&A sessions. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—provides a 20 % discount on ticket purchases. The discount can be applied directly at checkout or by following the dedicated link provided in the event’s promotional materials.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and emerging technologies. By bringing together leaders from both legacy media institutions and cutting‑edge interactive studios, the conference aims to foster dialogue that will shape the next decade of entertainment, offering valuable insights for creators, executives, investors, and fans alike.