The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives who will take part in its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s most influential gaming companies—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who 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 summit, working in collaboration with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help bring the event to a wider audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene senior figures from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized.
These topics include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate dynamics of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. One of the headline panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts.
Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment, sharing the stage with executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The panel will examine how video game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and other media formats, creating synergistic experiences that deepen audience engagement and open new revenue streams. In addition, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will appear on a separate panel focused on the worldwide surge of cultural exports originating from Asia. Xiao will provide insight into how Tencent’s portfolio of games and interactive experiences is influencing global trends, and how Asian creators are increasingly shaping the narrative of entertainment on a global scale.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally star‑studded. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote address that is expected to delve into the streaming giant’s strategic vision for original content, international expansion, and the integration of interactive storytelling formats. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how brands like UFC and WWE are adapting to new consumption habits. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s approach to blockbuster franchises, cinematic innovation, and cross‑platform storytelling.
David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will round out the keynote speakers, offering a financial viewpoint on the rapid growth of digital comics and the monetisation opportunities they present. Beyond the keynotes, the summit will feature a wide array of speakers representing major players across the entertainment spectrum. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute to panels and breakout sessions, providing a holistic view of how different sectors are navigating the current transformation. 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 management and representation in the evolving media landscape.
The event promises ample networking opportunities, with attendees from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount expected to mingle with agency executives and other industry influencers. This blend of gaming, film, television, sports, and talent representation will foster cross‑industry collaborations and spark discussions about the future of entertainment in a hyper‑connected world. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20% discount on the registration fee. To claim the discount, readers can either apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This incentive aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to join the conversation and gain insight from the leading minds shaping the industry’s next chapter.
Overall, the summit stands as a pivotal gathering for anyone invested in the future of entertainment—whether they come from the world of video games, streaming services, traditional cinema, live sports, or talent representation. By bringing together such a diverse and influential group of leaders, the Financial Times aims to illuminate the pathways through which content creators, distributors, and audiences will interact in the years ahead, ensuring that participants leave with a deeper understanding of the strategic, creative, and technological forces that will define the next era of entertainment.