The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile 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 join a distinguished line‑up that also features top brass from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, the 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 wider audience. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," a theme that reflects the increasingly blurred boundaries between gaming, film, television, live events, and emerging digital experiences. Attendees will hear from leaders who are navigating the complex interplay of media dealmaking, the development of expansive franchise ecosystems, the global diffusion of cultural products, and the ways in which artificial intelligence can enhance fan interaction.
A further focus will be placed on the evolving models for monetising content across multiple platforms and regions. David Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, sharing insights alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells. The discussion is expected to explore how game studios are collaborating with film and television studios to create synergistic storytelling experiences that span interactive and passive media. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a separate session that examines the rapid ascent of Asian cultural exports on the world stage.
His perspective will shed light on how Tencent Games is leveraging partnerships, localized content, and strategic publishing deals to expand the reach of Asian‑origin games and related media beyond their traditional markets. The summit’s keynote lineup includes several marquee names: Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will address the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its intersection with gaming IPs; Mark Shapiro, President and COO of the TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital distribution; Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will offer a view on the studio’s integrated approach to film, television, and interactive media; and David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will talk about the monetisation of digital comics and their potential as source material for games and screen adaptations.
Additional speakers span a broad spectrum of the entertainment ecosystem. Executives from Amazon Prime Video will share their perspective on how streaming platforms are incorporating interactive storytelling elements.
Representatives from the Los Angeles Dodgers will discuss the growing role of sports franchises in creating immersive fan experiences through gaming and virtual reality. Disney and Regal Global Entertainment will also be present, providing insights into how legacy brands are reinventing themselves for a multi‑screen, multi‑device world. Beyond the formal panels and keynotes, the summit will serve as a networking hub for senior leaders from a variety of sectors. Attendees will include executives from EA, the Pokémon franchise, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount Pictures, as well as talent‑agency representatives from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency.
These gatherings are designed to foster collaborations that could lead to new cross‑platform projects, joint ventures, and innovative licensing agreements. 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 promo code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the publisher. This reduced rate aims to encourage a larger contingent of industry professionals, analysts, and journalists to join the conversation and benefit from the insights shared by the summit’s distinguished speakers. In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a comprehensive forum where the leading minds of gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment converge.
By examining the current trends—such as the rise of AI‑driven fan engagement tools, the expansion of global franchise ecosystems, and the strategic importance of cultural export—the event will equip participants with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape. Whether attending in person to network with peers or joining remotely to hear the latest strategic perspectives, participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how the industry is being reshaped and what opportunities lie ahead.