The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game powerhouses Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with high‑profile figures from traditional media giants 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 tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it will bring together a cross‑section of leaders from the entire entertainment ecosystem. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the worldwide cultural impact of entertainment properties, the growth of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms.
One of the featured panels will be moderated by David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories and brands can flow seamlessly between games, film, television and other formats. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports, exploring how games, music, film and other creative outputs from the region are gaining traction worldwide.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its vision for the future of storytelling. 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 share perspectives on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international market expansion.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the rapid growth of digital comics and their integration into broader entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a broad array of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives representing major talent agencies—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 creative talent and business strategy.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with senior leaders from a diverse set of firms, including EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount. The presence of these industry titans reflects the summit’s ambition to serve as a forum where the next generation of entertainment business models can be debated and refined. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 percent discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site.
The event promises to be a pivotal moment for stakeholders seeking to understand how technology, cultural trends and shifting consumer preferences are reshaping the entertainment landscape. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports and live‑event sectors, the summit aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration and spark innovative ideas that will define the next era of entertainment.
Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a talent‑agency representative, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique platform to gain insights, forge partnerships and stay ahead of the rapid changes driving the global entertainment economy.