The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. The line‑up now features top representatives from the video‑games sector, including senior figures from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with high‑profile leaders from traditional media powerhouses 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 summit, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. The summit is billed as a deep dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," gathering decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem to explore a broad set of topics. Attendees will discuss the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and new models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world.
Among the gaming representatives, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer at EA, will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. This discussion will also feature executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, focusing on how games, film, television and other media can intersect to create richer storytelling experiences.
Additionally, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, has been slated to join a separate panel that will examine the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the global stage, highlighting how Chinese and broader Asian creators are influencing trends worldwide. The summit’s keynote roster includes a number of industry titans.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media distribution.
Sony Pictures will be represented by Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja, who will share perspectives on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international market penetration. Webtoon’s Chief Financial Officer, David Lee, will also speak, offering a look at the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their growing influence on broader entertainment formats. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a wide array of panelists and contributors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will join the conversation, providing a cross‑section of viewpoints from streaming services, sports franchises, legacy studios, and cinema chains.
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 shaping the future of entertainment. The event promises to be a networking hub as well as an educational forum. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with peers from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount, fostering relationships that could lead to future collaborations across media formats.
The presence of talent‑agency executives further enhances the potential for cross‑industry deals, as agencies play a pivotal role in negotiating talent participation in new projects. 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 are eligible for a special 20% discount on the registration fee by using the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced price is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals within the gaming community who wish to engage with broader entertainment trends.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit will bring together a diverse set of leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports and talent representation to dissect the forces that are redefining how audiences consume content. With a robust agenda covering everything from AI‑driven fan experiences to the monetisation of franchise ecosystems, the summit offers a unique platform for industry insiders to share knowledge, explore partnership opportunities, and chart the future direction of global entertainment. The inclusion of high‑profile executives from EA and Tencent alongside established names from Netflix, Sony and Disney signals a recognition that the lines between interactive and passive media are blurring, and that collaboration across these sectors will be essential for sustained growth and innovation in the years ahead.