The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster 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 – who will share the stage with a line‑up that already includes heavyweights from the world of linear media such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group.
GamesIndustry.biz is acting as a promotional partner for the summit, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience. The summit’s overarching theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide array of topics that are currently redefining how audiences consume content.
These include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment properties, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms. David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment, a discussion that will also feature executives from Universal Entertainment as well as representatives from narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
The panel will delve into how traditional gaming IPs are being adapted for film, television and streaming, and how storytelling techniques can flow seamlessly between interactive and passive media. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, shedding light on how Tencent Games is leveraging its North American partnerships to bring Chinese‑origin games and related media to a broader global audience. The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with insights into the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its approach to global content pipelines.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and traditional media under one corporate umbrella. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s film and television slate, as well as its investment in emerging technologies. David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial viewpoint on the rapid growth of digital comics and their integration into broader entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the keynotes, the summit will feature a diverse slate of speakers representing a range of industries.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will be present, offering their own takes on how content creation, distribution, and fan engagement are evolving in a hyper‑connected world. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent representation in the new entertainment paradigm. The event is not limited to in‑person attendance; a digital option is available for those who cannot travel to West Hollywood.
Tickets can be purchased now, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This special rate is intended to encourage a larger portion of the gaming community to participate in the conversation, recognizing that the lines between gaming, film, television, sports and live events are increasingly blurred. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media and entertainment.
By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear sectors, the summit aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and provide actionable insights that attendees can apply within their own organisations. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a streaming platform strategist, or a talent agent, the summit offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from the architects shaping the next wave of entertainment experiences. For those planning to attend, the schedule includes multiple panels, networking breaks, and one‑on‑one meeting opportunities, all designed to maximise interaction among participants. The venue in West Hollywood provides a vibrant backdrop, reflecting the city’s reputation as a hub for creative talent and cutting‑edge technology.
As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve at a rapid pace, events like this summit become essential forums for sharing knowledge, aligning strategies, and ultimately driving the industry forward.