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. The line‑up features prominent voices from the video‑game sector, including representatives from Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games, who will share the stage with top executives 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 tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience.
Designed to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment," the summit aims to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will delve into a broad array of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised.
Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment properties, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalised fan interactions, and the future pathways for generating revenue from content across multiple platforms. Among the most anticipated sessions is a panel on cross‑medium storytelling, which will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will sit alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven studio Madison Wells to discuss how video‑game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and other media formats.
Another highlight is a discussion on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, where Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games, will provide insight into how Chinese gaming titles are breaking into Western markets and influencing global entertainment trends. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a perspective on streaming strategy and original content development. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share his vision for integrating combat sports and entertainment into a cohesive brand experience.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to navigating a rapidly changing cinematic environment, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will examine the monetisation opportunities inherent in digital comics and serialized storytelling. In addition to these headline speakers, the program includes a diverse set of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives representing major franchises such as Pokémon and Apple’s media ventures will also be on hand, providing a comprehensive view of how different sectors are intersecting to shape the future of entertainment.
The summit will also attract representatives from leading talent agencies, including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their presence underscores the importance of talent management and representation in an era where content creators are increasingly central to the success of multi‑platform franchises.
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 20 percent discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the partner site. This reduced rate is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming and media community to join the conversation and benefit from the networking opportunities the event offers. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and chart the direction of entertainment in an increasingly interconnected world.
By bringing together senior executives from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and talent representation, the summit will illuminate the synergies and challenges that define the modern entertainment landscape, offering attendees actionable insights that can be applied to their own organisations as they navigate the next wave of innovation and consumer demand.