The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile figures from the video‑game sector, notably representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top executives 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 concert with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," convening leaders from every corner of the industry to explore a wide array of subjects.
Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment products, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric interactions, and new models for monetising content across platforms. One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will sit alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss cross‑medium entertainment strategies—how games, film, television and other formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive experiences for audiences. In a separate discussion, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the accelerating global influence of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian creators are shaping trends worldwide and what that means for Western markets. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to global storytelling. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media distribution.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for integrating film, television and interactive media, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will discuss the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their expanding role in the broader entertainment ecosystem. Additional speakers include senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring a comprehensive view of both digital and traditional entertainment sectors.
Executives from a host of other notable companies—ranging from EA and Pokémon to Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount—will also be in attendance, providing ample networking opportunities across the industry. Talent agencies will be well represented as well. Delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency are expected to join the conversation, underscoring the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment landscape.
The summit offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, catering to a global audience of industry professionals. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers can take advantage of a special 20% discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the event organizers. This reduced rate is designed to make the summit more accessible to those who regularly follow GamesIndustry.biz and its coverage of the gaming sector.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for examining how technology, storytelling, and commerce intersect in today’s rapidly changing media environment. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports and talent representation, the event aims to foster dialogue that will shape the next wave of entertainment innovation. Attendees can expect to leave with fresh perspectives on collaboration across mediums, actionable insights into emerging revenue streams, and a clearer understanding of how global cultural trends are influencing the creation and distribution of content.
Whether joining in person in West Hollywood or participating online, participants will have the chance to engage directly with the decision‑makers who are steering the future of entertainment worldwide.