The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the gaming world—David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. Their participation places the gaming sector side‑by‑side with heavyweight names from traditional linear media, including 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 this cross‑industry gathering to life. The summit’s theme, "Forces Reshaping Entertainment," is designed to convene leaders 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, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting immersive fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. David Tinson will join a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will sit alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
The discussion is expected to delve into how video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats can intersect to create richer, more cohesive storytelling experiences for audiences worldwide. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao is slated to appear on a separate panel that examines the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will likely cover the strategic partnerships, localization tactics, and market‑entry strategies that have enabled Asian gaming titles and media properties to capture a growing share of the global audience. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential voices in modern entertainment.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share her perspective on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits. Mark Shapiro, President and Chief Operating Officer of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will provide an overview of the studio’s approach to integrating gaming IPs with film and television projects.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will offer insights into the monetisation of digital comics and the broader implications for creator‑driven platforms. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will host a diverse group of panelists and participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives representing iconic brands like EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged across traditionally siloed sectors.
Talent agencies with significant influence in the industry—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be represented, underscoring the importance of talent management and representation in the evolving entertainment landscape. The event is structured to accommodate both in‑person and virtual attendees, recognizing the hybrid nature of contemporary conferences. Tickets are now on sale, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20% discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizers. This discount aims to encourage broader participation from the gaming community, ensuring that the dialogue reflects a truly interdisciplinary perspective.
In addition to the scheduled panels and keynotes, the summit will feature networking sessions, interactive workshops, and exhibition spaces where companies can showcase cutting‑edge technologies, from AI‑driven content creation tools to next‑generation gaming hardware. These ancillary activities are designed to give participants hands‑on experience with the innovations that are poised to shape the next decade of entertainment. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, sports, and digital media.
By bringing together senior leaders from both legacy media conglomerates and fast‑growing gaming firms, the event will illuminate the synergies and challenges that define the modern entertainment economy. Whether you are a content creator, a media executive, a technology provider, or an avid fan of the industry, the summit offers a unique platform to learn, collaborate, and envision the future of entertainment on a global scale.