The Financial Times has announced the full roster of C‑suite participants for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are senior 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 linear‑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 tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s central theme, "forces reshaping entertainment," is designed to gather visionaries from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide array 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 intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and innovative strategies for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. During the conference, David Tinson will contribute to a panel focused on cross‑medium entertainment.
This discussion will bring together leaders from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production studio Madison Wells to examine how stories can flow seamlessly across games, film, television, and emerging digital formats. The panel aims to uncover best practices for building cohesive franchise experiences that keep audiences engaged across multiple platforms. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will take the stage for a separate session that delves into the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His insights will highlight how Tencent Games, along with other Asian creators, are influencing global tastes and expanding the reach of Asian‑origin IPs beyond their traditional markets.
The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant’s perspective on content strategy and the future of subscription models. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and mainstream media, offering a glimpse into how live‑event brands can thrive in a digital‑first world.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the challenges and opportunities facing major studios as they navigate the shift toward streaming and hybrid release windows. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of the booming digital comics market and its implications for transmedia storytelling.
Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a broad spectrum of industry voices. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will join breakout sessions and networking panels. 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 talent representation in an era where creators increasingly operate across multiple media formats.
The event is structured to accommodate both in‑person and virtual participants. Tickets are currently on sale, with options ranging from full‑access passes that include all panels, workshops, and networking receptions, to digital‑only tickets that grant live‑stream access to keynote speeches and selected sessions.
To encourage readership from GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—provides a 20 percent discount on any ticket purchase. The discount can be applied directly at checkout or by following the dedicated link supplied in the promotional materials.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone invested in the future of media and interactive experiences. By bringing together senior leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and talent representation, the conference aims to foster cross‑industry collaboration and spark innovative ideas that will shape the next decade of entertainment. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a media analyst, the summit offers a unique platform to hear directly from the decision‑makers who are steering the industry toward new horizons.