The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, slated for September in Los Angeles. Among the marquee names are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of 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 gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word.
The summit is framed around the theme "forces reshaping entertainment" and is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad set of topics that are redefining how audiences consume content and how creators monetize their work. Discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market.
One of the highlight panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA, who will join peers from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to debate the concept of cross‑medium entertainment. The panel will examine how video‑game IPs can be extended into film, television, and other formats, and how the synergy between interactive and linear storytelling can generate new revenue streams and deeper fan engagement. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage. His remarks are expected to cover the strategic initiatives Tencent has undertaken to bring Chinese‑origin games and related media to Western audiences, as well as the broader implications for cultural exchange and market diversification.
Keynote speakers for the event include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its role in shaping global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s approach to navigating the post‑pandemic film landscape.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the ways in which short‑form storytelling is influencing larger entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a rich array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other influential firms. Executives representing iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be on hand, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees.
Talent‑agency representatives from leading firms—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the event’s focus on the intersection of content creation, distribution and talent management. The conference offers both digital and in‑person attendance options to accommodate a global audience. Tickets are on sale now, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 % discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the publisher. This reduced‑price offer is intended to encourage more members of the games community to participate in the broader conversation about how interactive entertainment fits into the larger media landscape.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart the future direction of entertainment in an era marked by rapid technological change and shifting consumer preferences. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a streaming platform strategist, or a talent‑agency professional, the event offers a unique platform to gain insights from peers, explore emerging trends, and contribute to the dialogue shaping the next generation of entertainment experiences.