The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game powerhouses Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of executives from traditional media giants 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. The summit is framed around the theme of "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to gather top decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Participants will explore a broad spectrum of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment properties, the rise of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for content monetisation across both digital and physical platforms. One of the headline sessions will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts. Tinson will join a panel focused on cross‑medium entertainment, sitting next to senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells.
Their discussion is expected to delve into how interactive gaming experiences can intersect with film, television, and other storytelling formats to create richer, more immersive universes for audiences worldwide. In parallel, Tian Xiao, who leads North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will appear on a separate panel that examines the accelerating global impact of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will discuss how Chinese gaming studios are expanding beyond domestic borders, forging strategic alliances with Western publishers, and influencing worldwide trends in game design, monetisation models, and community engagement. The summit’s keynote lineup boasts a collection of high‑profile leaders.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to nurturing original series and films that resonate across diverse demographics. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and mainstream media, highlighting how live‑event spectacles are being reimagined for digital audiences. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s vision for integrating cinematic storytelling with emerging technologies, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide perspective on the financial mechanics behind digital comic platforms and their role in the broader entertainment economy. Additional speakers include senior executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, each bringing their own expertise on topics ranging from streaming rights negotiations to the monetisation of sports franchises and the future of theatrical exhibition.
The presence of talent‑agency representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency underscores the summit’s emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between content creators, distributors, and the talent that brings stories to life. The event will be accessible both in person and via a digital platform, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizers. This reduced rate is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the wider entertainment discourse and to foster cross‑industry networking opportunities.
Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and live‑event sectors can exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and chart the future trajectory of an industry that is increasingly interconnected. By bringing together such a diverse array of voices, the summit aims to illuminate the shared challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, from navigating the complexities of global licensing to leveraging AI‑driven personalization for audiences worldwide. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how the entertainment landscape is being reshaped by technology, cultural shifts, and innovative business models, positioning them to capitalize on the next wave of growth and creativity in the sector.