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 marquee names are representatives from the video‑game world—specifically David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games.
They will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of leaders 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 gathering, working in concert with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit’s central 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 broad array of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world.
David Tinson will take part in a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies. The discussion will feature peers from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑production specialists from Madison Wells. The panel aims to dissect how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging interactive formats, creating richer, more immersive experiences for audiences. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, is slated to speak on a separate panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will draw on Tencent Games' rapid expansion into Western markets and the broader trend of Asian media—ranging from anime to mobile gaming—gaining unprecedented traction on the global stage. Keynote speakers for the event include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely discuss the streaming giant’s strategy for original content and its role in shaping viewing habits worldwide. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on live‑sport and combat‑entertainment production, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, is expected to address the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the burgeoning digital comics market and its integration with other entertainment formats.
Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will host a diverse set of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives representing major gaming franchises—including EA, Pokémon, and Apple’s gaming initiatives—will also be present, facilitating cross‑industry dialogue.
Talent‑agency representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will attend, underscoring the importance of talent management in the evolving entertainment landscape. The event offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, catering to a global audience of industry professionals. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special 20 percent discount is available through the promotional code GIB20, or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the organizers. This incentive aims to encourage broader participation from the gaming community, ensuring that the conversation reflects the increasingly intertwined nature of interactive and traditional media.
Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal forum where leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live‑event sectors can share insights, forge partnerships, and chart the future direction of an entertainment world that is rapidly converging across platforms and borders. Attendees can expect deep‑dive sessions, networking opportunities, and forward‑looking discussions that will shape strategic decisions for years to come.