The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable participants are senior figures 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. They will share the stage with high‑profile 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 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," a broad umbrella that captures the rapid convergence of film, television, gaming, live events, and emerging technologies. Attendees will hear discussions on a range of subjects that are currently redefining the industry landscape.
Topics include the evolving nature of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the global cultural impact of entertainment properties, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and innovative approaches to content monetisation in an increasingly digital world. David Tinson will sit on a panel titled "Cross‑Medium Entertainment," where he will explore how gaming IPs can be extended into movies, series, and other formats, and how collaboration with partners such as Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells can unlock new revenue streams. Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate session focused on "The Global Rise of Asia’s Cultural Exports," examining how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining footholds in Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate that expansion, and the cultural implications of a more diversified entertainment diet. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential names in the business.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will discuss the streaming giant’s strategy for original content creation and global distribution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share insights into the synergy between live sports, combat entertainment, and digital platforms. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s approach to integrating gaming franchises with cinematic storytelling.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and their crossover potential into other media formats. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will host a diverse array of panelists and participants. Representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will add depth to conversations about distribution models, brand extensions, and audience engagement. Executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees seeking cross‑industry collaboration.
Talent agencies will also be well‑represented, with delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency joining the event. Their presence underscores the importance of talent management and representation in an era where creators increasingly drive content strategy across multiple platforms. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are currently on sale and can be purchased for either virtual participation or in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue.
GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy an exclusive 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This reduced rate is intended to encourage more industry professionals, especially those from the gaming sector, to engage with the broader entertainment conversation and to explore potential partnerships that could shape the next decade of media consumption.
Overall, the summit promises to be a comprehensive forum for examining how traditional media companies, interactive entertainment firms, and emerging technology players are converging to create a more interconnected and immersive entertainment ecosystem. By bringing together leaders from both the gaming world and the established film‑and‑television arena, the event aims to foster dialogue that will inform strategic decisions, inspire innovative collaborations, and ultimately drive the evolution of content creation and distribution on a global scale.