The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take part in its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, slated for September in Los Angeles. Among the featured speakers are high‑profile figures from the video‑game sector, specifically representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top 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 gathering, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees 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 brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in crafting immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will sit on a discussion focused on cross‑medium entertainment, joining peers from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. Their conversation is expected to delve into how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and interactive experiences, creating synergistic revenue streams and richer storytelling opportunities.
In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address a panel dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will provide insight into how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are breaking into Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate that expansion, and the cultural nuances that shape consumer reception abroad.
The summit’s keynote lineup boasts several marquee names. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a perspective on how streaming giants are navigating a crowded marketplace while maintaining a pipeline of original, globally resonant content. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting the ways in which live‑event brands are adapting to on‑demand consumption habits. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for the future of cinematic storytelling in an era where interactive and immersive technologies are becoming mainstream.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will examine the financial mechanics behind digital comics and how they serve as fertile ground for cross‑platform adaptations. Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda includes a diverse array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Representatives from major talent agencies—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 the evolving entertainment economy.
The summit will be accessible both virtually and in person, allowing participants worldwide to join the conversation. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20% 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 cross‑section of industry professionals, from game developers and publishers to film executives and streaming platform strategists, to engage with the critical issues shaping the future of entertainment. In addition to the formal sessions, the event will feature networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration across traditionally siloed sectors.
Attendees can expect round‑table discussions, one‑on‑one meet‑ups, and informal gatherings where ideas about franchise synergy, joint‑venture financing, and technology integration can be exchanged in a more relaxed setting. The presence of both legacy media firms and cutting‑edge gaming companies highlights the increasingly porous boundaries between interactive and passive entertainment forms, a trend that has accelerated in recent years due to shifting consumer preferences and advances in AI‑driven content creation.
Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for industry leaders seeking to understand and influence the forces that are redefining how stories are told, experienced, and monetized across the globe. By bringing together executives from EA, Tencent, Netflix, Sony, Disney, and a host of other influential organizations, the summit aims to generate actionable insights that will shape strategic decisions for years to come.