The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will take the stage at 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, specifically David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. These gaming heavyweights will sit alongside 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit’s central theme is the "forces reshaping entertainment," a broad mandate that invites speakers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem to explore how the industry is being transformed. 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 brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and innovative approaches to content monetisation.
By gathering CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and other senior decision‑makers, the conference aims to provide a panoramic view of where the industry is headed and what strategies will define success in the coming years. David Tinson will participate in a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. This discussion will bring together executives from Universal Entertainment as well as representatives from Madison Wells, a narrative‑production company known for its storytelling expertise.
The panel will examine how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats, creating synergistic experiences that keep audiences engaged across multiple platforms. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, is slated to speak on a separate panel that focuses on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will likely touch on how games developed in China and other parts of Asia are gaining traction in Western markets, the challenges of localization, and the broader implications for cultural exchange. Keynote speakers at the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who 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 mainstream media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide a view from one of Hollywood’s most storied studios, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will talk about the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their adaptation into other media forms. In addition to these headline names, the program features a host of other influential figures from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring a rich tapestry of viewpoints.
The summit also promises robust networking opportunities. Executives from a wide array of companies—including EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount—will be in attendance.
Talent‑agency representatives from leading firms such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be present, offering attendees the chance to connect with the people who shape talent representation and deal negotiations across the industry. For those interested in participating, tickets are now on sale for both virtual and in‑person attendance. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special benefit: a 20 % discount on the registration fee when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site.
This reduced rate makes it easier for professionals and enthusiasts alike to join the conversation and gain insights from some of the most influential leaders shaping the future of entertainment. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit is positioned as a must‑attend event for anyone looking to understand the intersecting forces that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised in a rapidly evolving digital age. By bringing together top executives from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live‑event sectors, the conference offers a unique platform for cross‑industry dialogue, strategic partnership formation, and forward‑looking analysis.
Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a media investor, or a creative professional, the summit promises valuable takeaways that can inform your strategic planning and help you stay ahead in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.