The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from the gaming sector—specifically executives from 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 summit, working in conjunction 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 aims to convene senior figures from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of subjects that are currently redefining the industry: the mechanics of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the evolution of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells.
The panel will examine how video‑game developers, film studios, and storytelling firms can collaborate to create seamless experiences that move audiences between interactive and passive media formats. Another key session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will contribute to a conversation centred on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insights into how Chinese gaming titles, anime, and other media properties are gaining traction in Western markets and reshaping global pop culture narratives.
The summit’s keynote roster includes several high‑profile figures: Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant’s strategy for content creation and distribution; Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media; Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for film and television in a fragmented media landscape; and David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the broader implications for creator‑driven platforms. Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda features a wide array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others.
Executives representing EA, the Pokémon franchise, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees. Talent agencies also have a strong presence at the summit. Representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will be on hand, underscoring the importance of talent representation and deal‑making in the modern entertainment economy.
The event offers both digital and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants to engage with the content regardless of their location. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special discount is available: a 20 % reduction on the ticket price can be applied by entering the code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the publication.
This incentive is designed to encourage industry professionals and enthusiasts alike to take part in the conversation about the future of entertainment. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, live events, and emerging technologies. By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the conference aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and chart a roadmap for the next era of entertainment consumption and monetisation.
Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a talent agent, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insights, forge partnerships, and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving trends that are reshaping how stories are told and experienced worldwide.