The Financial Times has announced a star‑studded C‑suite roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most anticipated participants are senior figures 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 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 gathering, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit is billed as a deep dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the industry. 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 the future pathways for content monetisation in a fragmented marketplace.
One of the highlighted panels will focus on cross‑medium entertainment. In this session, David Tinson will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells.
The discussion will examine how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats, creating richer storytelling experiences and new revenue streams. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate panel that examines the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will cover how games developed in China and other parts of Asia are gaining traction on the global stage, influencing trends in gameplay design, monetisation models, and cross‑border collaborations. Keynote speakers at the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely share Netflix’s strategic vision for integrating interactive content and expanding its global footprint. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how live‑event brands are leveraging streaming platforms to reach broader audiences.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will address the studio’s approach to franchise development and the integration of gaming IP into its cinematic pipeline. Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and the synergy between web‑based storytelling and interactive media. The summit’s speaker list also features representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, ensuring a comprehensive view of both legacy and emerging players. Executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, alongside talent‑agency leaders from CAA, United Talent Agency, and Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
This blend of creators, distributors, and talent representatives underscores the event’s commitment to fostering cross‑industry dialogue. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit 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 when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site. This discount makes it more affordable for industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts to engage with the forward‑looking conversations that will shape the next decade of entertainment.
Beyond the formal sessions, the summit will offer ample networking opportunities. Attendees can expect curated meet‑ups, round‑table discussions, and informal gatherings designed to spark collaborations between game developers, film studios, streaming services, and live‑event producers. The event’s setting in Los Angeles—a hub for both Hollywood and the burgeoning gaming sector—provides a vibrant backdrop for these interactions.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where the boundaries between gaming, film, television, and live entertainment will be examined, challenged, and reimagined. With high‑profile speakers from EA, Tencent, Netflix, Sony, and Disney, the summit is positioned to deliver insights that will guide executives, creators, and investors as they navigate the rapidly evolving entertainment ecosystem.