The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game sector, specifically David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. These gaming figures will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures the rapid evolution of how content is created, distributed, and monetized across the globe. Attendees will be drawn from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem—film studios, streaming platforms, video‑game publishers, live‑event promoters, and talent agencies—all converging to discuss a series of timely topics. Key discussion points will include the changing landscape of media dealmaking, the development and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing cultural influence of global markets, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and emerging models for content monetisation.
David Tinson will contribute his expertise to a panel focused on cross‑medium entertainment. This session will explore how properties can transition fluidly between video games, movies, television series, and other formats, creating cohesive narratives that engage audiences on multiple platforms.
He will be joined by senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells, each bringing their own perspective on how storytelling can be amplified when different media collaborate. Tian Xiao’s appearance will center on the surge of Asian cultural exports on the world stage.
As head of North American partnerships for Tencent Games, Xiao is uniquely positioned to discuss how Chinese and broader Asian entertainment products—ranging from games to music and film—are gaining traction in Western markets, reshaping consumer tastes and influencing global production pipelines. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally star‑studded.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on the broader industry. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the integration of combat sports and entertainment, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the studio’s vision for the next decade.
Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning digital comics market and its synergies with other entertainment forms. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a wide array of panelists and participants, including senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives representing iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, offering a comprehensive view of the industry’s current state and future direction. Talent representation will also be well‑represented.
Attendees will have the opportunity to network with agents from major agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency, underscoring the summit’s role as a nexus for both creative and business negotiations. 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. To encourage readership engagement, GamesIndustry.biz offers a 20 percent discount to its audience.
Readers can claim the reduced rate by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the publisher. Overall, the summit promises to deliver a deep dive into the intersecting forces that are redefining how stories are told, consumed, and monetized in today’s hyper‑connected world. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and talent representation, the event aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration and spark innovative ideas that will shape the future of entertainment for years to come.