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 line‑up that already features high‑profile executives from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, the TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz is serving as a promotional partner for the summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment.
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 broad spectrum of subjects, ranging from the evolving landscape of media dealmaking and the intricate economics of franchise ecosystems to the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands. Additional topics include the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. During the program, David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies.
This discussion will also feature leaders from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, focusing on how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a session dedicated to the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insights into how Tencent Games is leveraging partnerships and localized content to capture audiences beyond the continent. The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a perspective on streaming strategy and original content development.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of the TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for the future of cinema and television in an increasingly fragmented market. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will address the financial mechanics behind digital comics and the broader implications for transmedia storytelling.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the agenda includes a variety of panelists and presenters from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives representing major gaming franchises such as Pokémon, as well as technology giants like Apple, will also be present, providing a holistic view of how interactive entertainment intersects with traditional media.
Talent agencies are well‑represented, with delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency attending to discuss talent management, brand partnerships, and the evolving role of creators in a multi‑platform world. The summit offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, accommodating participants from around the globe. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizers.
This reduced rate is intended to encourage broader industry participation and to ensure that a diverse range of voices can contribute to the conversation about the future of entertainment. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and digital media will converge to share insights, debate challenges, and chart a collaborative path forward.
By bringing together such a varied group of influencers, the event aims to foster cross‑industry partnerships that can drive innovation, expand audience reach, and unlock new revenue streams in an era where the boundaries between entertainment formats are increasingly fluid.