The Financial Times has announced the executive roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, slated to take place in Los Angeles this September. The conference will feature a blend of high‑profile speakers from the video‑game sector—most notably senior figures from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—alongside a strong contingent 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 event, working in concert with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the summit to a wider audience. Designed to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit will gather decision‑makers from across the entire entertainment value chain.
Attendees will engage in in‑depth discussions about a range of timely topics, including the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and innovative approaches to monetising content in an increasingly digital world. Among the gaming representatives, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA, is slated to sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies.
He will share insights alongside peers from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, exploring how game studios can collaborate with film, television, and other media to create cohesive, multi‑platform storytelling experiences. Additionally, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His perspective will shed light on how Chinese gaming firms are influencing global trends, forging partnerships beyond Asia, and leveraging their IPs to reach new audiences. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential voices in contemporary media.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will discuss the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on the broader entertainment ecosystem. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will offer a view into the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will speak on the studio’s approach to integrating gaming IPs with cinematic storytelling, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide insight into the monetisation of digital comics and the synergies between web‑based narratives and interactive media.
Beyond the headline speakers, the agenda includes a diverse array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring that the conversation captures perspectives from streaming, sports, theme‑park, and exhibition sectors alike. Executives representing brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, alongside talent‑agency representatives from CAA, United Talent Agency, and Verve Talent & Literary Agency, highlighting the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment landscape. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
This reduced‑price offering aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming and media community to join the dialogue and benefit from the networking opportunities the summit promises. The event arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. As gaming continues its rapid ascent as a dominant cultural force, traditional media companies are increasingly looking to collaborate with interactive developers to tap into new revenue streams and audience segments. Simultaneously, the rise of AI tools is reshaping how content is produced, personalized, and distributed, prompting executives to rethink legacy business models.
By bringing together leaders from both sides of the entertainment spectrum, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit seeks to foster cross‑industry collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and chart a roadmap for the future of storytelling across all platforms. Attendees can expect a packed schedule of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking breaks, all curated to facilitate meaningful exchanges between creators, distributors, financiers, and talent representatives. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a streaming platform strategist, or a talent agent, the summit promises insights that can inform strategic decisions and inspire new partnerships.
For those unable to travel to Los Angeles, the digital pass offers a comprehensive virtual experience, including live streams of all sessions, on‑demand access to recorded content, and interactive Q&A opportunities with speakers. The hybrid format ensures that the conversation remains inclusive and accessible, reflecting the global nature of today’s entertainment market.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit stands as a unique convergence point for the most influential voices shaping the future of media and gaming. With a robust lineup that spans the spectrum from game studios to streaming giants, and with special pricing available for the GamesIndustry.biz community, the summit is positioned to deliver actionable insights, foster collaboration, and illuminate the path forward for an industry in constant transformation.