The Financial Times has announced the distinguished roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are senior representatives from two of the world’s most influential video‑game publishers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will join a line‑up that already features high‑profile figures from traditional linear‑media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, the TKO Group.
GamesIndustry.biz serves as a promotional partner for the summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word. The summit’s central theme revolves around the "forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures everything from the evolution of media dealmaking and the intricate web of franchise ecosystems to the expanding cultural influence of entertainment products on a global scale. Attendees will also explore the burgeoning arena of live‑event entertainment, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan experiences, and the shifting models of content monetisation that are redefining how creators and distributors capture value in an increasingly digital world. One of the headline sessions will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, a conversation that will also include senior leaders from Universal Entertainment as well as representatives from narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The panel aims to dissect how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between games, film, television, and emerging formats, and how companies can leverage these synergies to deepen audience engagement and unlock new revenue streams.
Joining Tinson on the summit stage is Tian Xiao, the Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games. Xiao will contribute to a discussion focused on the global ascent of Asian cultural exports, highlighting how Chinese and broader Asian creators are increasingly shaping worldwide entertainment trends. The dialogue will examine the strategic partnerships, localisation efforts, and market‑entry tactics that have enabled Asian titles to break through traditional Western barriers and capture a diverse, international fan base.
The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on the broader media landscape.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media rights in a rapidly changing environment. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will offer a perspective on the studio’s approach to storytelling across multiple platforms, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will explore the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their role in the larger entertainment ecosystem.
Beyond the keynotes, the summit will feature a diverse array of speakers, including senior executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. This breadth of representation underscores the event’s ambition to bring together voices from every corner of the entertainment industry, fostering cross‑industry dialogue that can spark innovative collaborations. The attendee list reads like a who’s‑who of modern media.
Executives representing brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount are expected to be present, alongside talent‑agency representatives from leading firms like Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their participation signals a shared recognition that the future of entertainment will be built on partnerships that cross traditional sector boundaries.
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 enjoy an exclusive 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
This reduced rate makes it more accessible for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation and gain first‑hand exposure to the strategic thinking of the sector’s top leaders. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of media, gaming, and live entertainment. By convening executives from both legacy media institutions and fast‑growing game publishers, the event offers a unique platform to examine how content is created, distributed, and monetised in an era defined by rapid technological change and shifting consumer preferences. Whether attending in person or joining digitally, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the strategic imperatives shaping the next generation of entertainment experiences.