The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game sector, specifically senior figures from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of leaders from traditional 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 gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event to the broader entertainment community.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that encompasses everything from the evolving economics of media rights deals to the ways in which franchises are cultivated across multiple platforms and markets. Participants will explore how cultural influence is spreading on a global scale, the growing importance of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.
One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment, sharing the stage with senior executives from Universal Entertainment and representatives from narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The panel will examine how video‑game IPs are being leveraged to create movies, series, and even live experiences, and how the synergy between interactive and linear storytelling can unlock new revenue streams. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the world stage.
Xiao’s remarks are expected to cover Tencent’s strategy for bringing Chinese‑origin games and related media to Western audiences, as well as the broader implications for cultural exchange and market dynamics. The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver opening remarks that likely touch on the streaming giant’s approach to original programming, global distribution, and the integration of gaming content into its portfolio.
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 expanding beyond traditional broadcast channels. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights on the studio’s film and television strategy, including its partnership with gaming divisions to develop transmedia franchises. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will speak about the monetisation of digital comics and the ways in which short‑form storytelling can feed larger entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the keynote speakers, a broad array of industry leaders will take part in panels and round‑table discussions.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment are slated to contribute their perspectives on topics ranging from streaming economics to the future of in‑theatre experiences. Representatives from major 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 negotiating the increasingly complex deals that span games, film, television, and live events. The event promises ample networking opportunities as well. Attendees will be able to mingle with senior figures from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations across media formats.
The presence of talent‑agency executives further ensures that discussions will touch on the negotiation of creative rights, talent contracts, and the strategic alignment of brand ambassadors with emerging entertainment properties. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and on‑site attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 percent discount, which can be applied by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the publication.
This discount is designed to encourage a broader segment of the gaming and media community to join the conversation, ensuring that the summit reflects a diverse range of viewpoints from across the entertainment spectrum. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit aims to serve as a comprehensive forum where leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and live‑event sectors can converge to discuss the transformative trends shaping the industry. By bringing together such a varied group of senior executives, the summit seeks to generate actionable insights, foster cross‑industry partnerships, and chart a roadmap for the future of entertainment in an era defined by rapid technological advancement and shifting consumer preferences.