The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game powerhouses—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will share the stage with high‑profile leaders 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 event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Over the course of the two‑day program, participants will dive deep into subjects that are redefining how audiences consume content and how creators monetize their work. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan interaction, and the future pathways for content monetisation 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 join executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells for a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment—exploring how video games, film, television and other formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive storytelling experiences. In a separate session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, examining how Chinese and broader Asian media properties are gaining traction in Western markets and what that means for global entertainment strategies.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into the streaming giant’s content strategy and its approach to original programming. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media distribution.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s roadmap for film and television in a post‑pandemic world, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of digital comics and the monetisation models that are driving growth in that sector. Beyond the keynotes, the agenda features a wide array of speakers from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other influential firms.
Executives representing iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees. Talent‑agency representatives from major firms—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, underscoring the summit’s focus on the intersection of creative talent and business strategy.
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 enjoy an exclusive 20 % discount when they apply the promo code GIB20 at checkout, or they can use a dedicated discount link provided by the publisher.
This reduced rate makes it easier for industry professionals, analysts and enthusiasts to join the conversation and gain first‑hand insight into the trends that are shaping the future of entertainment across all platforms. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the convergence of gaming, streaming, live events and emerging technologies. By assembling leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the event aims to foster dialogue that will help define the next era of content creation, distribution and consumption. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a talent agent, or a media analyst, the summit offers a unique platform to explore the synergies and challenges that lie at the heart of today’s rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.