The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most anticipated participants are two high‑profile figures from the video‑game sector: David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships for Tencent Games. Their presence joins a broader line‑up that features 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 event, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help spread the word.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," a phrase that captures the rapid convergence of film, television, gaming, live events, and emerging technologies. Attendees will hear insights on a wide array of subjects, including the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and new models for monetising content across platforms. David Tinson will sit on a panel that examines cross‑medium storytelling, a topic that has become increasingly relevant as studios seek to extend narratives beyond a single format. The discussion will also feature leaders from Universal Entertainment and Madison Wells, a narrative‑production company known for its innovative approaches to transmedia storytelling.
Together, they will explore how intellectual property can be leveraged across film, television, interactive games, and even theme‑park attractions, creating a seamless experience for audiences while maximizing revenue streams. Tian Xiao’s contribution will focus on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, a trend that has seen games, music, film, and fashion from the region gain unprecedented popularity in Western markets.
His panel will delve into the strategies Tencent Games employs to forge partnerships in North America, adapt content for diverse audiences, and navigate regulatory environments that differ markedly from those in China. The conversation is expected to highlight case studies such as the success of titles like "Honor of Kings" and the growing influence of Asian animation styles in global streaming services. Keynote speakers for the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will share the streaming giant’s vision for original programming and its approach to global distribution.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the integration of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media under one corporate umbrella. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide insights into the studio’s strategy for blending blockbuster filmmaking with immersive experiences, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will examine the monetisation of digital comics and the potential for cross‑platform storytelling. In addition to the headline speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of industry leaders from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be on hand, underscoring the event’s focus on the entire entertainment supply chain, from creation to distribution to talent representation.
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 by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced rate is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming community to engage with the discussions that sit at the intersection of interactive and traditional media. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of entertainment—whether they are studio executives, game developers, streaming platform managers, or investors tracking the next wave of media innovation.
By bringing together leaders from both legacy media firms and cutting‑edge gaming companies, the event aims to foster dialogue that will shape the strategic directions of the industry for years to come.