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 notable additions are representatives from the video‑game sector—specifically executives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with top figures 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 bring the event to a wider audience. The summit’s overarching theme is the "forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures the rapid evolution of how content is created, distributed, and monetised across a multitude of platforms.
Attendees will hear from leaders spanning the entire entertainment ecosystem, covering subjects that range from the mechanics of media dealmaking and the construction of franchise ecosystems to the global cultural impact of entertainment properties. Other focal points include the growing significance of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting immersive fan interactions, and forward‑looking strategies for extracting revenue from content in an increasingly fragmented market. One of the highlighted panels will feature David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells to discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment—how stories can migrate fluidly between video games, film, television and other formats while retaining their core appeal.
In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will address a panel dedicated to the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how games, music, film and other creative outputs from the region are gaining traction on the global stage. The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver opening remarks that are expected to outline the streaming giant’s vision for the next wave of original programming and its strategy for competing in a crowded market. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share insights on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and digital media, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to leveraging its extensive library of intellectual property across new distribution channels.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the potential for these narratives to be adapted into larger multimedia franchises. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will host a diverse array of panelists and participants.
Representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will be on hand to discuss their respective contributions to the evolving entertainment landscape. Executives from companies such as EA, The Pokémon Company, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount Pictures will also be in attendance, offering a comprehensive view of how both legacy and emerging players are navigating the current environment. Talent agencies will have a visible presence as well, with delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency joining the conversation. Their involvement underscores the importance of talent representation in shaping the future of content creation, distribution deals and cross‑platform collaborations.
The summit offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, catering to a global audience that may not be able to travel to Los Angeles. For those who wish to experience the event on the ground, tickets are currently on sale and include access to all panels, networking sessions and exclusive after‑hours gatherings. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20% discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the publisher.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships and explore the technological and cultural trends that are redefining how entertainment is conceived, delivered and consumed. Whether you are a game developer, a streaming service executive, a talent agent, or a media investor, the event offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the forces that will shape the next decade of entertainment.