The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. The lineup now includes high‑profile speakers from the video‑game sector, notably representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top executives from traditional linear‑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 alongside 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 monetized across the entire entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will hear from leaders who are navigating the convergence of film, television, gaming, live events, and emerging technologies.
Key discussion points will include the mechanics of media dealmaking in an increasingly fragmented market, the development and management of franchise ecosystems that span multiple platforms, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan engagement, and innovative models for content monetisation in a digital‑first world. Among the gaming sector speakers, David Tinson, who serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of EA, will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. This session will explore how game studios can collaborate with film studios, streaming services, and other media partners to create cohesive, multi‑platform storytelling experiences.
Tinson will be joined by senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells, offering a blend of perspectives from both the gaming and cinematic sides of the industry. Another notable participant is Tian Xiao, the Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Xiao will contribute to a panel focused on the global ascent of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian entertainment products are gaining traction worldwide and influencing trends in gaming, music, film, and fashion.
The discussion is expected to highlight the strategic partnerships, localization tactics, and regulatory considerations that are shaping this expansion. The summit’s keynote roster features some of the most influential voices in entertainment today. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between live sports, combat entertainment, and digital media.
Sony Pictures’ Chairman and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, will share perspectives on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international market penetration. Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will address the financial dynamics of digital comic platforms and their role in the broader content ecosystem.
Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and other notable companies. Executives from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount are also slated to attend, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s current landscape.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will be on hand to discuss talent management, representation, and the evolving relationship between creators and distributors. The event is designed to cater to both in‑person and virtual attendees, offering flexible participation options. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20% discount. To claim the reduced rate, readers can apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the event organizers.
This discount aims to make the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow GamesIndustry.biz, ensuring a broader representation of voices within the entertainment community. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and emerging technologies. By bringing together executives from both the interactive and traditional media worlds, the summit will foster dialogue on how these sectors can collaborate, innovate, and drive growth in an increasingly competitive global market.
Attendees can expect to leave with actionable insights, new networking connections, and a deeper understanding of the strategic forces that are reshaping entertainment for the next decade.