The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. The agenda now features prominent voices from the video‑game sector, with representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games sharing the stage with top executives 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 alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how audiences consume content. Discussion points 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 fan‑centric interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms.
Among the gaming leaders slated to speak, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of EA, will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. This session will also feature senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, allowing the participants to examine how stories can flow seamlessly between games, film, television and emerging digital formats. In a separate discussion, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address the rapid expansion of Asian cultural exports on the world stage, shedding light on how Chinese and broader Asian gaming studios are influencing global trends and consumer tastes.
The summit’s keynote lineup includes several high‑profile media executives. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the conference with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to original programming. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s roadmap for integrating its film, television and gaming divisions.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the burgeoning web‑comic market and its potential synergies with other entertainment formats. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and presenters. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints on topics ranging from sports‑related content creation to the future of theatrical exhibition in a post‑pandemic world. Representatives from iconic brands such as Pokémon and Apple will also be present, underscoring the event’s commitment to covering the full breadth of the entertainment value chain.
Industry talent agencies will have a visible presence as well. Delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will attend, providing insight into how talent representation is adapting to the increasingly fluid boundaries between gaming, streaming, and live experiences.
Their participation highlights the importance of talent management in a landscape where creators often wear multiple hats—acting, producing, streaming, and even developing interactive experiences. The Business of Entertainment Summit is designed to be accessible to a wide audience. Both virtual and in‑person attendance options are available, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—offers a 20 percent 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 summit promises to be a comprehensive forum for exploring how the entertainment industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace. By bringing together leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and digital media, the event will foster cross‑industry dialogue and uncover collaborative opportunities that could shape the next decade of content creation and distribution. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or an investor interested in the future of entertainment, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique platform to gain insight, network with peers, and discover the strategic directions that will define the sector moving forward.