The Financial Times has announced the full roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will 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 gaming leaders will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of executives from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group.
The summit is being co‑promoted by GamesIndustry.biz, which serves as a promotional partner in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The event is framed around the theme of "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad array of topics that are reshaping how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Key discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and emerging models for content monetisation in a rapidly changing market. David Tinson will take part in a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will join senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The conversation will examine how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats, and how companies can leverage these synergies to deepen audience engagement and unlock new revenue streams.
Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a separate panel focusing on the global ascent of Asian cultural exports. His insights will draw on Tencent Games' experience in expanding its portfolio beyond China’s borders, highlighting the strategies that have enabled Asian gaming franchises to capture audiences in Europe, North America, and other regions. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential voices in entertainment today. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant’s perspective on content strategy and global distribution.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide an overview of the studio’s approach to storytelling across film, television, and interactive media.
David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will address the financial mechanics of digital comics and their role in the broader entertainment ecosystem. In addition to these headline speakers, panels will include executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring a comprehensive view of the industry’s present and future. Beyond the formal sessions, the summit will also serve as a networking hub for senior talent from a wide range of companies. Representatives from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount are expected to attend, alongside agents from leading talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
This convergence of creators, distributors, and talent managers provides a unique opportunity for cross‑industry collaboration and deal‑making. 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 special 20% discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. The discount is intended to encourage broader participation from the gaming community, ensuring that the perspectives of game developers and publishers are fully represented alongside those of film, television, and live‑event stakeholders.
Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone involved in the creation, distribution, or monetisation of entertainment content. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, cinema, sports, and live‑event sectors, the Financial Times aims to foster dialogue that will shape the next wave of innovation in the entertainment industry. Whether you are a senior executive, a content creator, a marketer, or an investor, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a rare platform to explore the strategic trends that will define the future of media and entertainment worldwide.