The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take part in its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled for September in Los Angeles. Among the speakers are top 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.
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, the TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a promotional partner for the summit, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word.
The summit’s core purpose is to explore the "forces reshaping entertainment," a broad theme that invites participants from every corner of the industry to discuss how the landscape is evolving. Topics on the agenda include the mechanics of media dealmaking in an increasingly fragmented market, the development and management of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television and live experiences, and the growing cultural influence of entertainment products on a global scale.
In addition, the program will examine how live‑event formats are being reinvented, the role artificial intelligence may play in crafting more immersive fan experiences, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. David Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will converse with senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to delve into how game studios can collaborate with film and television partners to create seamless storytelling experiences that move audiences between interactive and passive media. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will address how games from the region are gaining traction beyond their traditional markets, influencing design trends, monetisation strategies, and consumer expectations across the globe. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most recognizable names in the business.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a perspective on streaming strategy and original content creation. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of the TKO Group, will discuss the synergy between combat sports, entertainment, and brand extensions. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for the studio’s future in an era where cinematic releases intersect with streaming, gaming and immersive media.
David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the rapid growth of digital comics and their integration into broader entertainment ecosystems. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will host a diverse set of panelists and contributors. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney and Regal Global Entertainment will add depth to conversations about distribution, fan engagement, and the economics of live versus digital experiences.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, offering insight into how talent representation is adapting to a world where creators often wear multiple hats across gaming, film, music and social media. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with senior leaders from a wide array of companies, such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount. The presence of talent‑agency officials underscores the importance of aligning creative talent with the strategic goals of entertainment conglomerates, especially as intellectual property increasingly moves across mediums. 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.
GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 percent discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced rate, readers can either apply the promotional code GIB20 during checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publisher. This incentive aims to make the summit more accessible to professionals who are directly involved in the gaming sector and wish to stay abreast of broader industry trends. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises a comprehensive look at how entertainment is being redefined by technology, cross‑industry collaboration and shifting consumer habits.
By bringing together executives from gaming, streaming, film, sports and talent representation, the event creates a unique forum for dialogue, partnership and forward‑thinking strategy. Whether attending in person to experience the networking opportunities firsthand or joining remotely to hear the latest insights from industry leaders, participants will leave with a richer understanding of the forces shaping the future of entertainment.