The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the highlights are representatives from the video‑game sector, specifically senior figures from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with high‑profile 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 spread the word.
The summit is positioned as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," gathering decision‑makers from every corner of the industry to explore how the landscape is evolving. Topics on the agenda include the mechanics of media dealmaking, the development and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment properties, the future of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan interactions, and new models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world.
One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will sit on a discussion about cross‑medium entertainment, joining executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. Their conversation is expected to examine how video‑games, film, television and other media formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive experiences for audiences worldwide.
In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will provide insight into how Chinese developers are expanding their reach beyond domestic markets and influencing global entertainment trends. The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the summit with a perspective on streaming strategy and original content creation.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital distribution. Sony Pictures’ Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja will share the studio’s vision for integrating cinematic storytelling with emerging technologies, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will outline the financial dynamics of digital comics and their crossover potential into other media formats.
Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will host a broad array of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives representing brands like EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be in attendance, offering a rare opportunity for cross‑industry networking.
Talent‑agency representatives from major firms—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the event’s focus on the full entertainment value chain. Attendees can choose between a fully digital experience or an in‑person presence at the West Hollywood venue. For those who prefer to join remotely, the virtual platform will provide live streams of all panels, interactive Q&A sessions, and networking lounges designed to replicate the collaborative atmosphere of a physical conference. In‑person participants will benefit from on‑site networking receptions, one‑on‑one meeting rooms, and the chance to engage directly with speakers during breaks.
GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special incentive: a 20 % discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can either apply the promotional code GIB20 during checkout or follow the dedicated discount link supplied in the announcement. This offer is intended to encourage more professionals from the gaming sector to attend and contribute to the broader conversation about how games intersect with film, television, sports and other entertainment domains. The Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media and content creation.
By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear entertainment worlds, the event aims to foster dialogue that will shape strategic decisions for years to come. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a streaming platform manager, or a talent‑agency representative, the summit offers a unique platform to explore collaborative opportunities, discover emerging trends and gain actionable insights from some of the most influential voices in the industry.
Tickets are now on sale, and interested parties are encouraged to secure their spot early, as demand is expected to be high. The combination of high‑profile speakers, diverse panel topics and the exclusive discount for GamesIndustry.biz readers makes this summit an unmissable occasion for professionals seeking to stay ahead of the curve in an entertainment landscape that is constantly being reinvented.