The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its forthcoming 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 powerhouses—Electronic Arts and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with high‑profile executives from traditional linear‑media giants such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz is serving as a promotional partner for the event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the gathering to a wider audience.
The summit’s theme, "forces reshaping entertainment," is designed to convene thought‑leaders 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, the expanding global cultural impact of entertainment properties, the rise of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalised fan interactions, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. One of the headline sessions will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts, who will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. This discussion will also include senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, examining how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television and emerging digital formats.
In a separate panel, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, offering insight into how Chinese‑origin games and media are influencing worldwide consumer tastes. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a vision of streaming’s next evolution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and traditional media.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share strategies for navigating the competitive film and television markets, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the booming digital comics sector and its synergies with gaming and animation. Beyond the keynotes, the program features a diverse slate of speakers representing Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other influential players. Executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees.
Talent‑agency representatives from CAA, United Talent Agency and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be on hand, underscoring the event’s focus on the intersection of creative talent and business strategy. 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 enjoy an exclusive 20 percent discount when they use the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or they can follow a dedicated link provided by the site to secure the reduced rate.
This discount is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the broader entertainment dialogue, fostering cross‑industry collaboration and insight. The summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of entertainment—whether they come from gaming, film, television, sports, or emerging digital platforms.
By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the event aims to surface new ideas, forge partnerships, and chart a shared roadmap for the next era of content creation and distribution. Attendees can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of how AI can personalize fan experiences, how franchise ecosystems can be expanded across multiple mediums, and how global cultural trends are reshaping the business models that drive the industry forward.
For those who cannot travel to Los Angeles, the digital stream will provide full access to all panels, keynotes and networking sessions, ensuring that the conversation remains inclusive and globally relevant. The combination of high‑level strategic discussions, practical case studies, and ample opportunities for direct interaction makes the FT Business of Entertainment Summit a must‑attend event for senior executives, investors, creators and anyone else looking to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.