The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside a line‑up of high‑profile leaders from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group.
GamesIndustry.biz is acting as a promotional partner for the event, collaborating with its parent organization IGNE Entertainment to help spread the word. The summit is being billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it will gather decision‑makers from every corner of the industry—film, television, gaming, live events, sports, and emerging technology—to discuss how the sector is evolving. Topics on the agenda include the mechanics of modern media dealmaking, the ways in which franchise ecosystems are built and monetized, the growing cultural influence of global entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role artificial intelligence could play in enhancing fan interaction, and new models for content monetisation in a rapidly changing market. One of the key panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will join executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells to explore the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories can flow seamlessly from video games to movies, TV series, merchandise, and beyond. Their discussion is expected to highlight case studies such as the "FIFA" series expanding into esports and streaming, as well as EA’s own experiments with live‑service titles that blend gaming with social and entertainment elements. Another important session will spotlight Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
Xiao will sit on a panel dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian IPs are gaining traction in Western markets. The conversation will likely reference successes like "Honor of Kings" (known internationally as "Arena of Valor"), the rapid growth of mobile gaming in Asia, and Tencent’s strategic investments in studios around the world that help bridge cultural gaps. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open with insights into how streaming giants are curating content libraries that appeal to increasingly fragmented audiences. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media distribution, shedding light on how live‑pay‑per‑view events are being packaged for a digital‑first audience. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his perspective on the future of cinema in an era dominated by streaming, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will explain how digital comics are being monetized and adapted for other media formats.
Additional speakers include senior figures from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring that the conversation covers everything from sports franchise branding to family‑focused streaming strategies. Representatives from major talent agencies—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, providing a window into how talent representation is adapting to the new multi‑platform reality.
The event promises ample networking opportunities as well. Attendees will have the chance to mingle with executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount, as well as with agents and managers who shape the careers of the artists and creators driving today’s entertainment landscape. Tickets are currently on sale for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 % discount when they use the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or by following the special discount link provided by the site.
This reduced rate makes it easier for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation without breaking the bank. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit aims to be a comprehensive forum where the most influential voices from gaming, film, television, sports, and technology converge to map out the next chapter of global entertainment. By bringing together such a diverse set of perspectives, the summit will not only highlight current trends but also spark ideas for future collaborations that could redefine how stories are told, consumed, and monetized across the world.