The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the featured speakers are high‑profile leaders from the video‑game sector, notably representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside top 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, working in concert with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees 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 construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells.
The panel will examine how game developers, film studios, and other media entities can collaborate to produce stories that flow seamlessly across multiple platforms, thereby deepening audience engagement and opening new revenue streams. Another notable session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will participate in a conversation focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports, highlighting how Chinese and broader Asian creators are gaining footholds in markets that were historically dominated by Western content.
The discussion will delve into the strategic partnerships, localization tactics, and regulatory considerations that underpin this expansion, offering insights that could benefit both established and emerging players in the industry. Keynote addresses will be delivered by several luminaries. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant’s vision for the future of original programming and its approach to cultivating a global subscriber base. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and traditional media, and how these sectors can leverage each other's audiences.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s strategy for navigating the post‑pandemic landscape, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the booming market for digital comics and short‑form storytelling. The summit’s speaker list also includes representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring a diverse set of viewpoints that span streaming services, sports franchises, theme park operators, and cinema chains. In addition, executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the current entertainment hierarchy. Talent agencies will also have a strong presence at the event.
Attendees can expect to network with agents from leading firms like Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their participation underscores the importance of talent representation in shaping the next wave of entertainment projects, from game development to film production and live performances. 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 20 percent discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced rate is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow GamesIndustry.biz, fostering a richer dialogue among industry stakeholders.
Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of entertainment. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and talent representation, the event aims to map out the collaborative opportunities and strategic challenges that will define the next decade of content creation and consumption.
Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a marketer, or a content creator, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique platform to gain insights, forge partnerships, and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.