The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled 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. These two will share the stage 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 serves as a promotional partner for the event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the gathering to a broader audience. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to convene top executives from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment properties, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and emerging models for monetising content in an increasingly digital world.
David Tinson will appear on a panel that examines cross‑medium storytelling, sitting alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven studio Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to explore how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging formats such as virtual reality, creating richer, more immersive experiences for audiences. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will draw on Tencent Games' rapid expansion into Western markets and the broader trend of Asian media—ranging from anime and K‑pop to mobile gaming—gaining unprecedented traction across the globe. Keynote speakers at the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely address the streaming giant's strategy for original content and its impact on the broader media landscape.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and traditional media under a single corporate umbrella. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio's approach to blockbuster franchises and its integration with Sony's hardware ecosystem.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the booming digital comics market and its synergies with other entertainment formats. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a broad spectrum of participants. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment are slated to take part in various panels and networking sessions.
Representatives from iconic gaming brands such as EA, Pokémon, and Apple’s entertainment divisions will also be present, ensuring that the conversation captures the full breadth of the industry—from console and mobile gaming to streaming services and live sports. Talent agencies will have a visible presence as well. Agents from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will attend, offering insights into how talent representation is adapting to a world where creators often wear multiple hats—acting, producing, streaming, and even developing interactive experiences.
The summit will be accessible both in person, at the West Hollywood venue, and digitally for those who cannot travel. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 percent discount when they apply the promo code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This reduced rate is intended to encourage a larger contingent of industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to join the conversation and benefit from the networking opportunities the event promises.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit aims to serve as a crossroads where the traditionally separate worlds of film, television, gaming, sports, and live performance intersect. By bringing together senior leaders from these diverse sectors, the event hopes to surface collaborative strategies, uncover new revenue streams, and chart a shared vision for the future of entertainment in an era defined by rapid technological change and shifting consumer preferences.
Attendees can expect a mix of high‑level strategic dialogue, practical case studies, and forward‑looking speculation on how AI, immersive media, and global cultural flows will continue to reshape the way stories are told and consumed worldwide.