The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game powerhouses Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share panels with top brass from traditional media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz is listed as a promotional partner for the gathering, working alongside 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 bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the media ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised.
Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment properties, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan engagement, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly fragmented market. One of the headline sessions will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts.
Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium storytelling, joining peers from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to probe how video‑game IPs can be extended into film, television, and other formats, and how the convergence of these mediums can generate new revenue streams while deepening audience loyalty. Another key discussion will be led by Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will contribute to a conversation centred on the worldwide surge of cultural exports from Asia.
The panel will look at how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles have begun to capture significant market share outside their home territories, the strategic partnerships that enable this expansion, and the cultural nuances that influence consumer reception in diverse regions. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to nurturing global franchises.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the integration of sports entertainment with broader media properties, drawing on the recent successes of UFC and WWE in the digital arena. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for navigating the post‑pandemic film landscape, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the rapid growth of digital comics and their crossover potential into other media forms. In addition to the keynote speakers, the program features a diverse set of panelists from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and many other influential organisations. Executives representing brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, offering a comprehensive view of how different sectors within entertainment intersect and influence one another.
Talent agencies will also have a strong presence at the summit. Representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will attend, underscoring the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment economy and providing attendees with insights into how talent deals are being structured in an age of multi‑platform storytelling. The event is designed to accommodate both in‑person and virtual participants. Tickets are currently on sale, with options ranging from full‑day passes to multi‑day access, and a digital streaming pass for those who cannot travel to Los Angeles.
As a special benefit for the GamesIndustry.biz community, readers can claim a 20 percent discount on any ticket type by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the publication. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media and interactive experiences. By convening leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and digital publishing under one roof, the summit will foster cross‑industry dialogue, reveal emerging trends, and help shape the strategic directions that will define entertainment for years to come. Whether you are a content creator, a studio executive, a publisher, or a technology provider, the summit offers a unique platform to network, learn, and influence the next wave of entertainment innovation.