The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile figures from the video‑game sector, specifically representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top 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 alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the gathering.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment" and is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised. Key discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the development and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration 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 headline panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA, who will sit alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells.
This panel, titled "Cross‑Medium Entertainment," will examine how traditional gaming studios are collaborating with film, television, and other media formats to build richer, multi‑platform storytelling experiences. Tinson is expected to share insights on EA's recent initiatives that blend interactive gameplay with cinematic storytelling, as well as the strategic partnerships that are helping the company expand its intellectual property beyond the console. Another notable session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will moderate a discussion on the "Global Rise of Asia's Cultural Exports," where he will address how Asian game developers and publishers are increasingly influencing worldwide entertainment trends.
The conversation will likely cover Tencent's aggressive investment strategy in Western studios, the success of titles that blend Eastern design philosophies with Western market sensibilities, and the broader cultural implications of Asian media gaining a foothold in global markets. The summit's keynote lineup includes several industry titans.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote address that is expected to focus on the streaming giant's content strategy, its approach to original programming, and how Netflix is leveraging data to inform creative decisions. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and traditional media, highlighting the synergies between live events and on‑demand content. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio's film and television pipeline, its investment in emerging technologies, and the importance of global franchise development. Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide financial insights into the booming digital comics market and its potential as a source of adaptable IP for games and screen adaptations.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a robust slate of panelists and presenters from a variety of sectors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints on topics ranging from sports entertainment integration to the future of theatrical exhibition. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, offering a glimpse into how talent representation is evolving in an era of cross‑platform storytelling. The summit promises ample networking opportunities, with attendees from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount expected to mingle with agency executives and content creators.
This convergence of gaming, film, television, sports, and talent representation underscores the event's mission to map out the interconnected future of entertainment. 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 a special benefit: a 20% discount on the registration fee when they apply the promo code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This discount aims to encourage more industry professionals, especially those focused on the gaming sector, to join the conversation and gain insights from peers across the broader entertainment landscape. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit is shaping up to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the cross‑pollination of media formats, the strategic importance of global cultural exports, and the technological innovations—such as AI—that are set to redefine fan engagement in the years ahead. Whether attending in person or joining online, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the forces driving change across the entertainment spectrum.