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 most notable additions are representatives 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.
These gaming leaders will share the stage with high‑profile figures from traditional linear‑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 event, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit’s overarching theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised.
Discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the potential applications of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and the future pathways for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. During the program, David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies. The conversation will feature peers from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑production specialists from Madison Wells, offering insights into how stories can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television and emerging interactive formats. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His perspective will illuminate how Tencent Games, alongside other Asian creators, is leveraging global partnerships to bring Asian‑originated IPs to broader audiences and to shape consumer tastes beyond regional borders. The summit’s keynote lineup is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver remarks on the streaming giant’s approach to original programming and its role in the shifting media environment. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and traditional media under a single corporate umbrella. Sony Pictures will be represented by Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja, who will share the studio’s vision for integrating film, television and interactive media. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the rapid growth of digital comics and their crossover potential into other entertainment formats.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and industry leaders. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their expertise, ensuring that the conversation reflects the full breadth of the modern entertainment landscape. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, highlighting the importance of talent representation in the creation and distribution of content across multiple platforms. The event is structured to accommodate both in‑person and virtual participants.
Tickets are currently on sale, and attendees have the option to join the summit either by traveling to the West Hollywood venue or by accessing the live stream online. As a benefit to the GamesIndustry.biz community, readers can enjoy a 20 percent discount on the registration fee by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organisers. In addition to the scheduled sessions, the summit will host networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration among executives, creators, investors and agency representatives.
These informal gatherings are expected to spark new partnerships, especially between the gaming sector and traditional media firms, as both sides seek to capitalize on cross‑platform storytelling and shared audience engagement strategies. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a comprehensive forum for examining the dynamic forces that are reshaping how entertainment is produced, consumed and monetised worldwide. By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, live events and talent representation, the event aims to provide a holistic view of the industry’s present challenges and future opportunities. Whether you are a senior executive, a content creator, an investor, or a passionate fan of the evolving entertainment ecosystem, the summit offers valuable insights and connections that can help navigate the rapidly changing media landscape.