The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top executives 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 gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word. The summit is framed around the theme “forces reshaping entertainment,” and it is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects that are currently redefining how audiences consume content. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms. One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will sit alongside senior leaders from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies—how video‑games, movies, television series, and other forms of media can intersect to create richer, more cohesive storytelling universes. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the worldwide surge of cultural exports from Asia, examining how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining footholds in markets that were once dominated by Western developers.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into how streaming giants are navigating an increasingly competitive landscape while still delivering original, high‑quality programming. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and mainstream media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to integrating cinematic releases with digital experiences, and David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will offer a financial viewpoint on the rapid growth of digital comics and their crossover potential into other media formats.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse set of panelists and contributors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will participate in breakout sessions that delve into everything from sports‑related content strategies to the future of theatrical exhibition in a post‑pandemic world. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, providing a glimpse into how talent representation is evolving alongside the broader shifts in entertainment production and distribution.
The event promises ample networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to mingle with senior leaders from firms such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount Pictures, as well as with influential agents and managers who shape the careers of the industry’s most visible talent.
The presence of these high‑profile participants underscores the summit’s ambition to serve as a crossroads where ideas, partnerships, and business models can be exchanged and refined. 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 20 % discount on the registration fee when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or they can use the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This reduced rate is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals who are directly involved in the gaming sector but who also wish to stay informed about the broader trends shaping the entertainment landscape. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit will convene a powerful mix of gaming veterans, streaming innovators, traditional studio executives, sports franchise leaders, and talent agency representatives. By fostering dialogue across these varied domains, the summit aims to illuminate the pathways through which entertainment content will be created, distributed, and monetised in the years ahead.
Whether you are a developer looking to expand a franchise into film, a studio executive seeking to integrate interactive experiences, or a marketer interested in the global cultural impact of Asian media, the summit offers a unique forum for learning, collaboration, and forward‑thinking strategy development.