The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level speaker roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑games sector—David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
They will share the stage with high‑profile leaders 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 conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit is billed as a deep dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," convening executives, creators, and strategists from every corner of the industry to examine how technology, culture, and business models intersect in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.
Topics on the agenda include the mechanics of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms. David Tinson will sit on a panel that explores cross‑medium entertainment, a conversation that will also feature senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to probe how game studios can collaborate with film, television and streaming entities to create integrated experiences that blur the lines between interactive and passive media. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insight into how Tencent Games is leveraging its extensive portfolio to reach audiences beyond the continent and how Asian creators are influencing global tastes.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally star‑studded. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will address the streaming giant’s strategy for staying ahead in a crowded market.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and traditional media under a single corporate umbrella. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will examine the financial dynamics of digital comics and their role in the broader entertainment ecosystem. Beyond the keynotes, a diverse slate of speakers will represent Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other influential players. Executives from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount are also slated to attend, alongside talent‑agency representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. This mix of participants underscores the summit’s ambition to provide a panoramic view of how content is created, packaged, and delivered in the modern era.
Attendees have the option to join either virtually or in person, with tickets already on sale. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount on registration fees by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the event organizers. The reduced rate is intended to encourage broader participation from the gaming community and to foster cross‑industry dialogue. The Business of Entertainment Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the sector.
The past few years have seen unprecedented shifts: streaming platforms have upended traditional broadcast models, interactive media have gained mainstream acceptance, and AI tools are beginning to influence everything from scriptwriting to audience analytics. Moreover, the global appetite for culturally diverse content—particularly from Asian markets—has accelerated, prompting Western studios to seek partnerships and co‑production deals that can tap into new fan bases. By bringing together decision‑makers from both the digital‑gaming realm and legacy media, the summit aims to surface actionable insights that participants can apply within their own organisations.
Whether it is negotiating multi‑platform licensing agreements, designing immersive transmedia narratives, or exploring monetisation avenues such as subscription bundles, in‑game purchases, and live‑event ticketing, the conversations are expected to be both forward‑looking and grounded in real‑world experience. In addition to panel discussions and keynotes, the event will feature networking sessions, exhibition spaces where companies can showcase emerging technologies, and round‑table workshops that allow smaller groups to dive deep into specific challenges.
This format is designed to facilitate not only the exchange of ideas but also the forging of strategic partnerships that could shape the next wave of entertainment innovation. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a landmark gathering for anyone involved in the creation, distribution, or monetisation of content in any form. With a blend of industry veterans and emerging voices, the summit will illuminate the pathways through which entertainment continues to evolve, adapt, and captivate audiences worldwide.