The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming 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 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 is serving as a promotional partner for the summit, working alongside 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 bring together 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 monetised. 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 rise of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in crafting immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly fragmented market.
David Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will discuss how video‑games, film, television, and emerging digital formats can intersect to create richer, more engaging experiences for audiences. He will be joined by senior executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells, offering a multi‑disciplinary perspective on how intellectual property can flow seamlessly across platforms.
Tian Xiao’s participation will focus on the global surge of Asian cultural exports. In his panel, he will examine how games developed in Asia are gaining traction worldwide, the strategies behind successful localisation, and the broader implications for cultural exchange in the digital age. His insights will be particularly relevant as Asian creators continue to shape global entertainment trends. The summit’s keynote roster features some of the most influential voices in the industry.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will address the streaming giant’s approach to original storytelling and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share perspectives on live‑sport and entertainment production, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s strategy for navigating a rapidly changing cinematic landscape.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide an overview of the financial dynamics driving the rise of digital comics and short‑form content. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a wide array of participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, underscoring the event’s comprehensive coverage of the entertainment value chain. The summit offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants to engage with the programming regardless of their location.
For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, there is a special incentive: a 20 percent discount on tickets can be claimed by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This discount is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow the gaming sector closely.
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 convening leaders from both legacy media firms and cutting‑edge game developers, the event aims to foster dialogue that will shape the next era of entertainment. Whether you are a content creator, a distributor, an investor, or a fan eager to understand the forces driving change, the summit offers a unique platform to hear directly from the architects of the industry’s future.