The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, slated to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most eagerly anticipated participants are representatives from the video‑gaming sector, specifically 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 high‑profile line‑up that includes 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 central theme is the "forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures everything from the evolving dynamics of media dealmaking to the ways franchise ecosystems are being re‑engineered for a global marketplace. Attendees will explore how cultural influence spreads across borders, the growing importance of live‑event experiences, and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions.
A further focus will be the future of content monetisation, examining new revenue models that go beyond traditional advertising and subscription frameworks. David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment, a conversation that brings together leaders from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to delve into how video‑games, film, television and emerging digital formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive storytelling experiences. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports, shedding light on how Tencent Games and other Asian developers are influencing worldwide tastes and driving new forms of content consumption.
Keynote speakers for the event include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely address the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and global distribution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will share insights on the integration of sports entertainment and live‑event production. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to franchise development and international co‑production, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the booming market for digital comics and short‑form storytelling.
In addition to the headline speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of participants from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other notable firms. Executives representing iconic brands such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees. Major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also send representatives, underscoring the event’s significance as a crossroads for creators, distributors and financiers.
Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual attendance and in‑person participation at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or they can follow a dedicated link provided by the publication to secure the reduced rate.
The discount is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals working within the games industry, allowing them to engage directly with peers from adjacent sectors and gain first‑hand insight into the strategic trends shaping the future of entertainment. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the convergence of gaming, film, television, sports and live experiences. By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the Financial Times aims to foster dialogue that will help define the next chapter of global entertainment, highlighting opportunities for collaboration, innovation and sustainable growth across the entire ecosystem.