The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior leaders who will appear at its upcoming 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 share the stage with 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 summit, working alongside its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from the evolving dynamics of media dealmaking and the construction of franchise ecosystems to the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands. Other focal points include the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and innovative strategies for monetising content in an increasingly fragmented marketplace.
During the program, David Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment. The discussion will examine how game studios, film studios, and streaming platforms can collaborate to create cohesive narratives that span multiple formats. Tinson will be joined by senior figures from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production company Madison Wells, allowing the panel to compare best practices across the gaming and cinematic worlds. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate session that looks at the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports.
His insights will address how Tencent Games leverages its extensive portfolio to reach North American audiences and how the broader Asian entertainment sector is influencing global tastes. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will open the event with a talk on the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and global distribution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how live‑event brands can thrive in the digital age.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his perspective on the future of film production and the integration of gaming IPs into cinematic universes. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the rise of digital comics and their potential to feed new multimedia franchises. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and participants.
Representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will be on hand to discuss their own approaches to content creation, distribution, and fan engagement. Executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount are also slated to attend, ensuring a rich mix of viewpoints from both the gaming and broader entertainment sectors. Talent agencies will also have a presence at the event.
Delegates from Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will join the conversation, offering insight into how talent representation is evolving in response to new media formats and cross‑industry collaborations. 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 special 20 percent discount when they use the promotional code GIB20 at checkout, or they can follow a dedicated link provided by the site to secure the reduced rate. This discount is intended to make the summit more accessible to professionals who are directly involved in the gaming sector and who wish to stay informed about the broader trends shaping the entertainment landscape.
Overall, the summit promises to be a comprehensive forum for industry leaders to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and explore the next wave of innovation that will define entertainment for years to come. Whether you are a game developer, a streaming service executive, a talent agent, or a fan‑experience strategist, the event offers a unique opportunity to hear from the people shaping the future of media and to network with peers across the spectrum of modern entertainment.