The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers 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‑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 a high‑profile line‑up that includes top executives 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem.
Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of subjects that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment products, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and emerging models for content monetisation in a rapidly changing market. David Tinson will participate in a panel titled "Cross‑Medium Entertainment," where he will sit alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
The discussion will examine how intellectual property can flow seamlessly across film, television, gaming, and emerging digital formats, and how companies can leverage cross‑platform storytelling to deepen audience engagement and generate new revenue streams. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, is slated to appear on a separate panel that focuses on "The Global Rise of Asia’s Cultural Exports." In this session, he will address the increasing influence of Asian‑origin content on worldwide audiences, the strategic partnerships that are enabling Asian developers and publishers to enter new markets, and the cultural nuances that shape consumer preferences across different regions. Keynote presentations will feature some of the most influential leaders in the entertainment industry.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media distribution. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide a perspective on the studio’s approach to filmmaking, television production, and interactive media. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will examine the financial dynamics of digital comics and the opportunities they present for cross‑media adaptation.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and contributors from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives representing major brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, offering a comprehensive view of the entertainment landscape from both the gaming and traditional media sides.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent representation in the evolving ecosystem. The event offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants to join from anywhere in the world or to experience the summit live in West Hollywood. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special discount code (GIB20) provides a 20% reduction on ticket prices, making the summit more accessible to industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.
The discount can be applied directly during the registration process or by following the dedicated link provided by GamesIndustry.biz. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and emerging technologies.
By bringing together leaders from a wide range of sectors, the summit aims to foster dialogue, spark collaboration, and identify the trends that will shape the future of entertainment on a global scale.