The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming 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—David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
These gaming leaders will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring this cross‑industry gathering to life.
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 a spectrum of platforms. Attendees can expect deep‑dive discussions on a variety of timely topics: the changing landscape of media dealmaking, the development 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 personalized fan interactions, and innovative models for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. On the agenda, David Tinson will join a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. The conversation will explore how video‑game studios, film studios, and other media entities can collaborate to build immersive, multi‑platform narratives that engage audiences beyond a single format.
Fellow panelists will include senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production specialists from Madison Wells, offering a blend of perspectives from both the gaming and traditional storytelling worlds. Tian Xiao will appear on a separate discussion focusing on the global ascent of Asian cultural exports. As Tencent Games continues to expand its footprint in North America, Xiao will provide insight into how Asian IPs—ranging from mobile titles to console blockbusters—are gaining traction with Western audiences, and what this means for the future balance of cultural influence within the entertainment ecosystem. The summit’s keynote roster is equally star‑studded.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share her vision for the streaming giant’s next wave of original programming and strategic partnerships. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media under a unified brand strategy. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s approach to leveraging its rich library of franchises while navigating the challenges of a post‑pandemic market.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning world of digital comics and their crossover potential into other media forms. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a broad spectrum of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and other influential entities.
Executives representing iconic brands such as Pokémon, Apple, and Paramount will also be present, fostering a dynamic environment for networking and idea exchange. Talent‑agency representatives from CAA, United Talent Agency, and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will be on hand, underscoring the summit’s commitment to bridging the gap between creative talent and corporate strategy. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20% discount when they apply the promo code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This reduced rate makes it easier for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation and gain firsthand insight into the forces that are redefining entertainment in the digital age. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and emerging technologies. By bringing together leaders from both legacy media and fast‑growing interactive sectors, the event aims to spark collaborative ideas that will shape the next chapter of global entertainment.
Whether you are a content creator, a distributor, a technology provider, or a fan‑experience specialist, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique platform to explore how storytelling, technology, and consumer behavior are converging to create new opportunities and challenges for the industry at large.