The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game powerhouses, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the platform with high‑profile figures from traditional linear‑media companies 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 event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the summit. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Topics on the agenda span a broad spectrum: from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the intricate economics of franchise ecosystems, to the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. One of the marquee sessions will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will sit on a panel that explores cross‑medium entertainment, joining peers from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
The discussion is expected to examine how game developers, film studios, and streaming services can collaborate to create seamless experiences that move audiences between interactive and passive formats. In a complementary 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 discuss how Chinese and broader Asian creators are increasingly influencing global tastes, the strategic partnerships that enable that reach, and the implications for Western media companies seeking to tap into these burgeoning markets.
The summit’s keynote lineup includes some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will outline the streaming giant’s vision for original programming and its strategy for maintaining a competitive edge in an overcrowded market. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share insights into the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how live‑event brands are leveraging technology to deepen fan engagement.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to integrating film, television, and interactive media under a unified brand strategy. David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the rapid growth of digital comics and their potential to serve as a pipeline for transmedia storytelling. Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda features a diverse array of panelists and participants. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints, offering a panoramic view of how sports, cinema, streaming, and theatrical exhibition intersect in today’s entertainment economy.
Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, underscoring the importance of talent representation in shaping content pipelines and negotiating cross‑platform deals. The event promises ample networking opportunities for attendees.
Industry leaders from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount are slated to be present, creating a fertile environment for forging new partnerships and exploring collaborative ventures. The presence of talent‑agency delegates further enhances the potential for matchmaking between creators, distributors, and financiers. Tickets for the summit are currently on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. To encourage readership engagement, GamesIndustry.biz is offering a special 20 percent discount to its audience.
Readers can claim the reduced rate by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided in the announcement. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit is positioned as a critical forum for anyone interested in the future direction of the entertainment industry. By assembling a cross‑section of leaders from gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and talent representation, the conference aims to surface actionable insights on how content creators and distributors can adapt to shifting consumer preferences, leverage emerging technologies like AI, and capitalize on the increasingly global nature of entertainment consumption.
Whether attending in person to network with peers or joining remotely to hear the latest strategic perspectives, participants will leave with a richer understanding of the forces that are reshaping the way stories are told, experienced, and monetised across the globe.