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. Among the featured speakers are high‑profile representatives from the video‑games sector, specifically EA and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside a distinguished lineup 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 conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicize the summit to a broader audience.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," gathering top executives from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem to explore a range of timely topics. These include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the development and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and new models for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts (EA).
Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. Their conversation is expected to examine how game developers, film studios, and other content creators can collaborate to produce seamless experiences that span multiple platforms and media formats.
Another notable session will see Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, take the stage. Xiao will contribute to a panel focused on the rapid global rise of Asian cultural exports, offering insight into how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining traction in Western markets and influencing worldwide entertainment trends. The summit’s keynote roster includes Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely discuss the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its impact on the broader media landscape. Also speaking is Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, who will share perspectives on live‑sport and combat‑entertainment branding.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the studio’s approach to integrating film, television, and interactive media, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide insight into the monetisation of digital comics and the cross‑over potential with gaming and streaming platforms. Additional speakers encompass senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring that the summit captures a truly panoramic view of the industry. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in the evolving entertainment economy. The event promises both digital and in‑person attendance options, catering to a global audience of industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts.
For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—offers a 20% discount on ticket purchases. This discount can be applied directly at checkout or by following a dedicated link provided in the event’s promotional materials. Beyond the scheduled panels and keynotes, the summit will feature networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across sectors.
Attendees will have the chance to engage in round‑table discussions, one‑on‑one meetings, and informal gatherings that can spark new partnerships and joint ventures. The presence of executives from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount, alongside talent‑agency representatives, creates a fertile environment for exploring how intellectual property can be leveraged across games, film, television, and live experiences.
Given the rapid pace of change in entertainment—driven by advances in streaming technology, immersive media, and AI—the Business of Entertainment Summit aims to serve as a strategic forum where leaders can share best practices, anticipate future challenges, and chart a collective path forward. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a streaming platform operator, or a talent‑agency professional, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insight into the converging forces that are redefining how audiences consume content worldwide. Tickets are now on sale, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their spot early, as demand is expected to be high. The combination of high‑profile speakers, diverse panel topics, and valuable networking sessions makes this summit a must‑attend event for anyone looking to stay ahead in the fast‑evolving entertainment landscape.