The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from the video‑game sector, specifically senior executives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will join a line‑up that already features heavyweights from traditional media 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 tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit is billed as a deep dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and its agenda is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects, ranging from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the construction of franchise ecosystems, to the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands. Other focal points include the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and emerging models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA.
Tinson will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories and intellectual property can flow seamlessly between games, film, television and other formats. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel devoted to the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian media are gaining footholds in markets traditionally dominated by Western content. The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote address that is expected to touch on the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its approach to global distribution.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share insights into the integration of live sports, combat entertainment, and digital media under one corporate umbrella. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s roadmap for film and television production in a rapidly changing market, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning web‑comic and digital storytelling space. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse set of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Executives representing major gaming franchises—including EA, Pokémon, and Apple’s gaming initiatives—will also be present, ensuring that the conversation reflects the increasingly blurred lines between gaming and other entertainment forms. Talent agencies will have a strong presence as well. Representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency are slated to attend, highlighting the importance of talent representation and deal‑making in the modern entertainment economy. For those who cannot travel to Los Angeles, the summit offers both digital and in‑person attendance options.
Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent 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 intended to encourage wider participation from industry professionals who follow GamesIndustry.biz, ensuring that the summit’s discussions benefit from a broad spectrum of perspectives across the entertainment landscape.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for exploring how technology, media, and creative storytelling intersect in today’s fast‑evolving market. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and talent representation, the event aims to foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and chart a course for the future of global entertainment. Whether attending in person in West Hollywood or joining virtually, participants will have the opportunity to engage with some of the most influential voices shaping the next era of content creation and distribution.