The Financial Times has announced the executive roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the high‑profile participants are senior figures 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—who 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 concert with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience. The summit’s theme, "forces reshaping entertainment," signals a broad‑based conversation about the seismic shifts currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised across the entire entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a spectrum of topics that include the evolving dynamics of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for content monetisation in a fragmented, multi‑platform world.
On the gaming side of the agenda, David Tinson will sit on a panel devoted to cross‑medium entertainment. The discussion will bring together leaders from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, focusing on how interactive experiences can intersect with film, television, and other media formats to create richer, more cohesive storytelling universes. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a separate session examining the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, a trend that has seen games, music, film, and fashion from the region gain unprecedented traction in Western markets. His insights will draw on Tencent’s expansive portfolio and its strategic partnerships across North America.
Keynote speakers at the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely address the streaming giant’s approach to original programming and global distribution; Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, who will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media; Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, who will share perspectives on cinematic innovation and franchise development; and David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, who will offer a financial lens on the booming digital comics sector and its synergies with other entertainment forms. Additional panelists and speakers span a wide array of industries: representatives from Amazon Prime Video will talk about the competitive streaming landscape; executives from the Los Angeles Dodgers will discuss the integration of sports and entertainment branding; Disney officials will provide updates on their multi‑platform storytelling strategies; and leaders from Regal Global Entertainment will speak on the future of theatrical exhibition in an increasingly digital age.
The summit will also attract a significant presence from talent agencies that play a pivotal role in shaping entertainment careers and negotiating deals. Delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will be on hand, offering insight into how talent representation is adapting to the new media environment. Tickets for the event are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 % discount on the registration fee.
To claim the reduced rate, readers can either enter the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This incentive aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the cross‑industry dialogue that the summit promises to deliver. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit represents a rare convergence of leaders from interactive gaming, streaming services, film studios, sports entertainment, and talent representation—all gathering under one roof to dissect the forces that are redefining how audiences consume content.
By bringing together such a diverse set of voices, the event seeks to foster collaboration, spark innovative ideas, and chart a roadmap for the next era of entertainment that is increasingly interconnected, data‑driven, and globally oriented.