The Financial Times has announced the 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—who 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 help publicise the event. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to bring together 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 growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and new models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world. David Tinson will appear on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment, a subject that looks at how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging formats such as virtual reality. He will be joined by senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells, where the discussion will focus on the strategic benefits and creative challenges of extending a single story across multiple platforms. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session dedicated to the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, highlighting how games, music, film, and other media from the region are gaining unprecedented traction in Western markets.
The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential voices in the industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a perspective on the financial mechanics behind digital comic platforms and their crossover potential into other media forms.
In addition to the keynote speakers, the program includes a broad spectrum of panelists and contributors from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, and other prominent organizations. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the summit’s focus on the symbiotic relationship between talent representation and content creation. The event will be hosted in West Hollywood, offering both in‑person and virtual attendance options to accommodate a global audience.
Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced rate is intended to encourage broader participation from professionals across the gaming and entertainment sectors, fostering a richer dialogue about the future of the industry.
Beyond the scheduled sessions, the summit will feature networking opportunities designed to facilitate connections between senior executives, creative talent, technology innovators, and investors. Attendees can expect to engage in informal discussions during coffee breaks, cocktail receptions, and a curated dinner that brings together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds.
These interactions are expected to spark collaborations that could lead to new cross‑platform projects, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships. The Business of Entertainment Summit arrives at a pivotal moment for the industry. As streaming services continue to dominate household viewing, video‑game publishers are expanding into film and television adaptations, and AI tools are beginning to influence everything from scriptwriting to audience analytics, the lines between traditional media categories are blurring.
By convening a diverse group of stakeholders—from game developers and studio heads to talent agents and technology providers—the summit aims to provide a comprehensive view of the forces shaping entertainment today and to chart a roadmap for the next decade. For those interested in attending, the registration portal remains open, and the discount code for GamesIndustry.biz readers is valid for a limited time.
Whether you are a veteran executive, an emerging creator, or a curious observer of the entertainment landscape, the summit promises a wealth of insights, forward‑looking discussions, and valuable connections that can help navigate the rapidly evolving world of media and entertainment.