The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level speaker roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. The lineup now features prominent figures from the video‑game sector, including representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, alongside a host 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. Designed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit aims to assemble decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining the industry: the evolving nature of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. Among the gaming representatives, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at Electronic Arts, has been slated to join a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies. This discussion will also feature executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells, focusing on how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television and other formats. In addition, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will contribute to a separate session that looks at the rapid expansion of Asian cultural exports on a global scale, highlighting how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining footholds in Western markets and influencing worldwide pop culture.
The summit’s keynote roster includes several high‑profile figures. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on both traditional and emerging entertainment formats.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between live sports, combat entertainment and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the studio’s approach to integrating gaming IPs into its film and television pipelines.
Finally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the crossover potential with gaming and animation. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a diverse array of panelists and participants. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will be present, offering viewpoints that span streaming services, sports franchises, family‑focused entertainment, and cinema exhibition.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in the modern entertainment landscape. The summit will not only be a forum for high‑level discussion but also a networking hub where industry leaders can forge new partnerships. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in informal conversations, attend breakout sessions, and explore collaborative possibilities that bridge the gap between gaming, film, television, live events and emerging technologies such as AI and virtual reality. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are currently 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 percent discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can either apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided in the event’s promotional materials. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a comprehensive gathering that reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of today’s entertainment world. By bringing together senior executives from both the gaming sector and traditional media companies, the summit will illuminate the collaborative opportunities and strategic challenges that define the next era of content creation, distribution and monetisation.
Whether you are a content creator, a studio executive, a game developer, a talent agent, or an enthusiast of the entertainment industry, the event offers valuable insights and networking possibilities that can help shape your organization’s future direction.