The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the featured speakers are high‑profile representatives from the video‑game sector, 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 share the platform with a distinguished line‑up of leaders from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group.
GamesIndustry.biz, together with its parent organization IGNE Entertainment, serves as a promotional partner for the event, helping to bring together a cross‑industry audience of creators, distributors, and investors. The summit’s central theme revolves around the "forces reshaping entertainment," a broad but timely focus that reflects the rapid convergence of film, television, gaming, live events, and emerging technologies.
Attendees can expect deep‑dive discussions on a variety of topics that are currently redefining the entertainment landscape. These include the evolving nature of media dealmaking in an era of streaming wars, the intricate ecosystems that sustain long‑running franchises, the growing global cultural influence of Asian media properties, the resurgence of live‑experience formats, the possibilities that artificial intelligence presents for personalized fan engagement, and innovative models for monetising content across multiple platforms. David Tinson will appear on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, sitting alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production firm Madison Wells.
The conversation will explore how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between games, movies, television series, and even live shows, creating richer, more immersive experiences for audiences worldwide. Tian Xiao’s participation will focus on the burgeoning global impact of Asian cultural exports, particularly the rise of Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles that are gaining traction in Western markets.
His insights will shed light on how companies can navigate cultural nuances while capitalising on the worldwide appetite for fresh, diverse content. Keynote addresses will feature some of the most influential figures in the entertainment business.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will outline the streaming giant’s strategic vision for original programming and its approach to integrating gaming narratives into its catalogue. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between sports entertainment and traditional media, highlighting how live‑event brands like UFC and WWE are leveraging digital platforms to expand their reach. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s evolving production pipeline and its collaborations with game developers.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their crossover potential into other media forms. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will host a broad spectrum of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. This eclectic mix underscores the event’s commitment to showcasing how entertainment is no longer confined to a single medium but is instead a fluid, interconnected ecosystem.
Executives from notable brands including EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, offering attendees a rare opportunity to network with decision‑makers from both the gaming and traditional media sectors. Talent agencies play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of creators and the distribution of content, and the summit will feature representatives from major agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their presence highlights the importance of talent management and strategic representation in navigating the increasingly complex entertainment marketplace. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue.
To encourage readership engagement, GamesIndustry.biz is offering a special 20% discount to its audience. Readers can claim the reduced rate by entering the promotional code GIB20 during checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided in the event’s promotional materials.
This discount makes it more accessible for professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join a gathering that promises to shape the future direction of entertainment across all its forms. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit represents a unique convergence point for leaders from gaming, streaming, film, live sports, and talent representation.
By bringing together such a diverse array of voices, the summit aims to foster dialogue that will illuminate the pathways through which content creators can innovate, collaborate, and monetize in an ever‑changing global landscape. Whether you are a seasoned executive, an emerging developer, or a curious observer of the industry, the event offers a comprehensive look at the trends and strategies that will define entertainment for years to come.