The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set 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. They will share the stage with a distinguished line‑up of executives 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 summit, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit’s theme, "Forces Reshaping Entertainment," is designed to bring together thought‑leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Over the course of the event, participants will explore a wide array of subjects that are currently redefining the industry. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment products, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and emerging models for content monetisation.
David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium entertainment strategies. The discussion will feature peers from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, and will delve into how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insight into how Tencent Games is leveraging its vast portfolio to reach audiences beyond the continent and how Asian creators are shaping global pop culture.
Keynote speakers for 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, is expected to discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share perspectives on the studio’s film and television strategies, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the booming web‑comic market and its implications for cross‑platform storytelling.
In addition to the headline speakers, the program features a broad spectrum of industry figures. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will be present, ensuring that attendees receive a holistic view of how content creation, distribution, and consumption intersect across different mediums. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also attend, highlighting the importance of talent representation in the evolving entertainment landscape.
The summit offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, catering to a global audience of executives, creators, investors, and analysts. Tickets are currently on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 percent discount when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer.
This discount is intended to encourage participation from professionals within the gaming sector, underscoring the summit’s commitment to bridging the gap between interactive entertainment and traditional media. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where leaders can exchange ideas about the rapid transformation of the industry. By convening top executives from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live‑event domains, the event aims to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and chart a shared path forward for an entertainment ecosystem that is increasingly interconnected, data‑driven, and globally oriented.