The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level speaker roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. The lineup now features prominent figures from the video‑game sector, including representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, alongside a strong contingent of leaders from traditional media powerhouses 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 in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," aiming to convene 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 monetized. Discussion points 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 personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market.
Among the high‑profile participants, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts, will join a panel focused on cross‑medium entertainment. This session will also feature executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells, offering insights into how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and emerging digital formats.
In a separate discussion, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, highlighting how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining footholds in Western markets and influencing worldwide pop culture. The keynote segment of the summit boasts an impressive array of industry titans.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant's strategic vision for original programming and global distribution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the integration of sports, combat entertainment, and media rights in a post‑pandemic world. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio's approach to franchise development and cross‑platform storytelling. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning digital comics market and its synergy with gaming and streaming platforms.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda includes a diverse set of panelists and contributors from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. The presence of executives from iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount underscores the summit's ambition to serve as a crossroads where traditional media and interactive entertainment intersect. Talent agencies will also be well represented, with delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency in attendance. Their participation highlights the crucial role that talent representation plays in negotiating deals, shaping creative collaborations, and navigating the increasingly complex rights landscape that spans games, film, television and live events.
Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are currently on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20% discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can apply the promo code GIB20 during checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. The summit promises to be a pivotal forum for industry leaders seeking to understand and influence the next wave of entertainment innovation.
By bringing together executives from the gaming world, streaming services, traditional studios, sports entertainment, and talent representation, the event aims to foster cross‑industry dialogue that can spark new partnerships, inspire creative ventures, and ultimately shape the future of how audiences engage with content across all platforms. Whether attending in person to network with peers or joining online to access the sessions remotely, participants will gain valuable perspectives on the strategic trends that are driving growth and transformation throughout the global entertainment landscape.