The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most eagerly anticipated participants are two heavyweight representatives from the video‑game world – David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. They will join a distinguished line‑up that also features 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 tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience.
The summit’s central theme is “the forces reshaping entertainment,” a broad umbrella that encompasses the rapid convergence of gaming, film, television, live events, and emerging technologies. Attendees will hear from leaders across the entire entertainment ecosystem as they explore a variety of timely topics: the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the creation 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 models for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world.
David Tinson will appear on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies. Alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells, Tinson will discuss how game developers, film studios, and streaming platforms can collaborate to build stories that flow seamlessly across multiple formats. The conversation is expected to delve into case studies of successful transmedia franchises, the challenges of maintaining narrative consistency, and the financial incentives of leveraging intellectual property across games, movies, and series. Tian Xiao’s contribution will focus on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
As the head of North American partnerships for Tencent Games, Xiao is uniquely positioned to speak about how Chinese and broader Asian gaming titles are gaining footholds in Western markets, the strategic partnerships that facilitate this expansion, and the cultural nuances that influence consumer reception. His panel will also consider the broader implications for music, film, and fashion as Asian creators continue to shape global pop culture. Keynote speakers at the event include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely outline the streaming giant’s strategy for integrating interactive content and gaming experiences into its library. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergies between sports entertainment, live events, and digital storytelling.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights on how traditional studios are adapting to the rise of game‑driven narratives, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will address the monetisation of digital comics and their crossover potential with games and animation. In addition to the headline speakers, the summit will feature representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives from a range of companies—including EA, The Pokémon Company, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount—will be present, providing a comprehensive view of the entertainment landscape. Talent‑agency leaders from CAA, United Talent Agency, and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also attend, highlighting the importance of talent representation in the era of cross‑platform storytelling.
The event offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20 % discount on ticket purchases by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
This reduced‑price access aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the strategic discussions shaping the future of entertainment. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where leaders from gaming, film, television, sports, and technology converge to map out the next chapter of the industry. By bringing together such a diverse array of voices, the summit seeks to foster collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and provide actionable insights for companies looking to thrive in an increasingly interconnected entertainment ecosystem.