The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most 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 high‑profile figures 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 bring the event to a broader audience. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," a phrase that captures the rapid convergence of film, television, gaming, live events and emerging technologies. Attendees will be treated to a series of panels and keynote addresses that explore how content is being packaged, distributed and monetised across an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Topics on the agenda include the evolving nature of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑experience formats, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan interaction, and the future pathways for revenue generation in a world where subscription models, ad‑supported streams and direct‑to‑consumer offerings coexist. One of the headline sessions will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts. Tinson will sit on a cross‑medium entertainment panel alongside senior executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to examine how video‑game IP can be leveraged across film, television and interactive experiences, highlighting successful case studies such as the "FIFA" franchise’s integration into streaming platforms and the recent cinematic adaptations of popular game titles.
Representing Tencent Games, Tian Xiao – Head of North American Partnerships – will contribute to a separate panel focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will provide insight into how Chinese developers and publishers are expanding their reach beyond domestic markets, forging collaborations with Western studios, and influencing trends in storytelling, art direction and monetisation strategies.
The conversation will also touch on regulatory challenges, localization tactics, and the growing appetite for Asian‑origin content among global audiences. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a talk on the streaming giant’s approach to building a diversified content slate that balances original productions with strategic acquisitions. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the synergy between live‑sport, combat entertainment and digital media, outlining how the company envisions the future of fan engagement across its portfolio of properties. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s efforts to integrate gaming IP into its film pipeline, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will explore the monetisation potential of web‑based comics and their translation into multi‑platform franchises. Additional speakers include senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Their participation underscores the summit’s ambition to bring together a truly cross‑industry chorus of voices, each offering a unique viewpoint on how entertainment is being re‑imagined in the digital age. The event will also attract representatives from major talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
Their presence highlights the importance of talent representation in navigating the complex web of licensing, branding and partnership opportunities that arise when content spans multiple mediums. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This reduced rate is designed to encourage more professionals from the gaming sector to join the conversation and gain insight into the broader entertainment ecosystem.
Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal forum for executives, creators, investors and analysts who are keen to understand how the lines between games, movies, television and live experiences are blurring. By bringing together thought leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the Financial Times aims to foster dialogue that can shape strategic decisions, spark collaborative projects and ultimately drive the next wave of innovation in global entertainment.