The Financial Times has announced the slate of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest interactive‑gaming powerhouses—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside a distinguished lineup of executives from traditional media giants 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 help spread the word. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together top‑tier decision‑makers 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 monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television and live experiences, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event formats, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan experiences, and the future pathways for extracting value from content across multiple platforms. One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA, who will discuss the concept of cross‑medium entertainment.
He will share insights alongside leaders from Universal Entertainment and Madison Wells, a narrative‑production company known for its work on immersive storytelling projects. Their conversation is expected to examine how video‑game IP can be leveraged into movies, series, merchandise, and even live shows, creating a seamless entertainment continuum that keeps audiences engaged across various touchpoints.
In another high‑profile session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports. Xiao will provide perspective on how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are breaking into Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate that expansion, and the cultural nuances that influence consumer reception worldwide.
The summit’s keynote roster includes Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely outline the streaming giant’s strategy for integrating interactive content and expanding its global footprint. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share the studio’s vision for blending cinematic storytelling with interactive experiences, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will speak about the monetization of digital comics and their potential to serve as source material for games and screen adaptations. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a diverse array of panelists and participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Executives representing brands like EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be on hand, providing a comprehensive view of the current entertainment landscape. Talent‑agency representatives from CAA, United Talent Agency and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in the evolving media environment. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20% discount on the registration fee.
To claim the reduced price, readers can apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publisher. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone involved in the creation, distribution, or monetization of entertainment content.
By assembling leaders from both the interactive‑gaming sector and traditional media, the event highlights the increasingly blurred lines between games, film, television and live experiences. Participants can expect to leave with fresh perspectives on how to navigate the rapidly shifting entertainment terrain, forge new collaborations across industries, and harness emerging technologies—particularly AI—to deliver richer, more immersive experiences for audiences around the globe.