The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior leaders who will take the stage at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to convene in Los Angeles this September. Among the high‑profile participants are senior figures from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers, Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside top executives from traditional linear‑media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, the TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz is listed as a promotional partner for the gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event.
The summit’s theme, "the forces reshaping entertainment," is intended to draw together 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 monetised. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television and live experiences, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event formats, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan engagement, and the next generation of revenue models for content owners.
One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will join representatives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells for a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment, examining how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between games, movies, TV series and other formats.
Another notable session will see Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, speaking on a panel that investigates the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, highlighting how Chinese and broader Asian creators are shaping global tastes and consumption patterns. The keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the summit with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its interplay with other entertainment sectors. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of the TKO Group, will share perspectives on live‑sport and combat‑sports programming, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to integrating gaming IP into its film and television slate. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will address the financial dynamics of digital comic platforms and their crossover potential with games and screen media. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will host a diverse array of industry leaders.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute to panels and round‑table discussions, offering a multi‑dimensional view of how entertainment is converging across platforms. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent representation in this new, interconnected landscape. The event is designed to be accessible both in person and virtually, with tickets already on sale.
GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 percent discount on admission when they use the promotional code GIB20 or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This reduced rate aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to participate in the conversation, ensuring that the perspectives of game developers, publishers and gamers themselves are reflected alongside those of traditional media companies. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for examining how the lines between gaming, film, television, live sport and digital media are blurring. By bringing together senior executives from both the interactive and linear entertainment worlds, the summit will foster dialogue on collaborative opportunities, strategic partnerships and innovative business models that could shape the industry for years to come.
Whether attending in person in West Hollywood or joining online, participants will gain valuable insights into the forces that are redefining how audiences consume stories and experiences across the globe.