The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most eagerly anticipated participants are representatives from two of the world’s biggest video‑game publishers—Electronic Arts (EA) and Tencent Games—who will sit alongside high‑profile 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 in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene thought leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide 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 construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalised fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms.
One of the marquee panels will feature David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of EA. Tinson will join a discussion on cross‑medium entertainment alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells. The panel will examine how video‑game IP can be extended into film, television, and other formats, and how collaborative storytelling can unlock new revenue streams while deepening audience engagement. In a parallel session, Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games, will address a panel dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports.
Xiao will share insights on how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are breaking into Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate this expansion, and the cultural nuances that shape consumer reception worldwide. Keynote speakers for the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will discuss the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its impact on the broader media landscape. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will offer his perspective on the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will speak about the studio’s approach to integrating gaming franchises into its cinematic pipeline, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial outlook on the burgeoning web‑comic market and its synergy with interactive entertainment.
In addition to these headline speakers, the summit will feature a diverse lineup of executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and other influential firms. Representatives from talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be present, offering a comprehensive view of how talent representation intersects with content creation and distribution. The event promises ample networking opportunities, with attendees ranging from senior executives at EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount to senior talent‑agency professionals. This blend of perspectives is intended to foster cross‑industry dialogue that can spark innovative collaborations and reveal new business models.
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 percent discount when they use the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or by following the dedicated discount link provided in the event’s promotional materials. The discount aims to make the summit more accessible to professionals who are directly involved in the gaming sector and wish to stay abreast of broader entertainment trends.
Overall, the summit is positioned as a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment. By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the Financial Times aims to illuminate the pathways through which these industries are converging, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that lie ahead for creators, distributors, and audiences alike.