The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster 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‑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 a distinguished line‑up of 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 alongside 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 broad spectrum of topics that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized in today’s fast‑changing landscape. Key discussion points include the evolving nature 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 fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for content monetisation across multiple platforms.
David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies. The conversation will feature peers from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells, delving into how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insights into how Tencent Games is leveraging its North American partnerships to amplify the reach of Asian‑origin games and related media.
The summit’s keynote roster reads like a who's‑who of the entertainment industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a perspective on streaming strategy and content diversification. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between sports, combat entertainment, and broader media properties.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share the studio’s vision for integrating cinematic storytelling with interactive experiences. David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the explosion of digital comics and their cross‑platform potential.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda includes a rich array of panelists and contributors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will offer their viewpoints on topics ranging from sports‑driven content to the future of theatrical exhibition in a post‑pandemic world.
Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in shaping the next generation of entertainment offerings. The summit promises to be a melting pot of ideas where leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and live entertainment can exchange strategies and forge collaborations. By bringing together such a diverse group, the event aims to highlight how the boundaries between different forms of media are increasingly porous, and how companies can capitalize on these overlaps to create richer, more immersive experiences for audiences worldwide. 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 on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can either enter the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by GamesIndustry.biz.
This special offer makes it more affordable for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation and gain first‑hand insight into the trends that are set to define the future of entertainment across all platforms.