The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile representatives from the video‑game 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 sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of leaders from traditional media and entertainment 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 conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. 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 that span games, film, television, and live experiences, and the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands. In addition, the program will delve into the role of live events, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan engagement, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. David Tinson will take part in a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will discuss how video games are increasingly intersecting with film, television, and other forms of media.
He will share the stage with executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, examining case studies where intellectual property moves fluidly between interactive and linear formats. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will join a discussion focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His insights will address how Tencent Games is leveraging partnerships in North America to bring Asian‑origin games and related media to a broader audience, and what this means for the balance of cultural influence in the global entertainment arena.
Keynote speakers at the summit feature some of the most influential voices in the industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will outline the streaming giant’s strategy for original content and its impact on the broader media environment. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will speak about the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide perspective on the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution.
David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will discuss the financial mechanics behind digital comics and their translation into other media forms. The event also includes a slate of additional speakers representing a diverse set of organizations.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints, offering a comprehensive picture of how various sectors are adapting to the rapid changes in consumer behavior and technology. Representatives from major talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be present, highlighting the role of talent representation in navigating the new entertainment landscape. 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 20 percent discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following a dedicated discount link provided by the platform. This discount is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow the gaming industry closely.
Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and live entertainment. By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the event aims to foster dialogue that will shape the future direction of the entertainment economy.
Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a talent agent, the Business of Entertainment Summit offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the trends that are redefining how stories are told and experienced across the globe.