The Financial Times has announced a star‑studded C‑suite roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most eagerly anticipated participants are senior executives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games.
They will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of leaders from traditional linear‑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 event, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the gathering to a wider audience. The summit’s overarching theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures everything from the evolving economics of media deals to the ways franchise ecosystems are being re‑imagined for a global audience.
Attendees will explore how cultural influence is spreading across borders, the growing significance of live‑event experiences, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions. A key focus will also be on the future of content monetisation, examining how traditional revenue streams are being supplemented—or even supplanted—by new digital models. One of the headline panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will join executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to discuss "cross‑medium entertainment," a topic that examines how stories can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging formats like virtual reality. The conversation is expected to delve into how intellectual property can be leveraged across multiple platforms, how data‑driven insights inform creative decisions, and how partnerships between game studios and Hollywood studios are becoming increasingly symbiotic. On another panel, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the "global rise of Asia’s cultural exports." This discussion will trace the rapid expansion of Asian‑origin content—from anime and manga to mobile games and e‑sports—into Western markets.
Xiao is likely to highlight Tencent’s strategic investments in overseas studios, its role in bringing Asian gaming titles to global platforms, and the broader cultural shift that sees Asian storytelling gaining mainstream acceptance worldwide. The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on how the streaming giant curates and scales its global content library, while Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, entertainment, and live‑event production. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide a perspective on the studio’s approach to franchise development and its integration with gaming and interactive media.
Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will explore the monetisation of digital comics and the ways these narratives are being adapted for other media formats. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a broad spectrum of participants, including senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Representatives from major talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the event’s focus on the intersection of talent representation and content creation. The presence of executives from iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount signals the event’s ambition to serve as a nexus for cross‑industry dialogue. Attendees will have the chance to network with decision‑makers who shape everything from blockbuster film releases to multi‑billion‑dollar gaming franchises, and to explore collaborative opportunities that could redefine the entertainment landscape.
Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both digital participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 % discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or they can use the dedicated discount link provided by the site.
This reduced rate aims to make the summit more accessible to professionals across the gaming and broader entertainment sectors, encouraging a diverse and vibrant conversation about the future of the industry. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of media, gaming, and live entertainment. By bringing together leaders from both the digital and traditional realms, the event will illuminate how technology, culture, and business strategy intersect to shape the next generation of entertainment experiences. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a talent agent, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insight, forge partnerships, and stay ahead of the rapidly changing entertainment ecosystem.