The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level speaker 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 – who will sit alongside high‑profile leaders 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, to bring the event to a broader audience. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene decision‑makers 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 monetised. 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 brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan interaction, and innovative models for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world.
David Tinson will contribute to a panel focused on cross‑medium entertainment, sharing insights on how video‑games, film, television and emerging interactive formats can intersect to create richer storytelling experiences. He will be joined by executives from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑production studio Madison Wells, fostering a dialogue that bridges the gap between traditional media and interactive entertainment. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will appear on a separate panel that examines the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering a perspective on how Tencent Games is leveraging its North American partnerships to amplify the reach of Asian‑origin IPs and to tap into the growing appetite for Asian‑inspired content among Western audiences. The summit’s keynote lineup features several marquee names.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will discuss the streaming giant’s strategy for maintaining a pipeline of original content while navigating a fiercely competitive market. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media, highlighting how live‑event brands can thrive in a fragmented audience environment. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for the studio’s future in an era where cinematic releases coexist with streaming premieres. Additionally, David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide insight into the financial mechanics behind digital comics and how they serve as a fertile ground for cross‑platform storytelling.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse set of panelists and presenters from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment and other leading organizations. Executives representing major gaming franchises such as Pokémon, as well as technology firms like Apple, will also be on hand, ensuring that the conversation captures the full spectrum of the entertainment value chain. Talent agencies play a pivotal role in shaping the careers of creators and the distribution of content, and the event will include representatives from industry‑defining agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency. Their presence underscores the importance of talent representation in negotiating deals, securing brand partnerships, and navigating the increasingly complex media landscape.
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% discount on the registration fee. To claim the reduced price, readers can either enter the promotional code GIB20 during checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication.
This incentive aims to encourage a broader segment of the gaming and entertainment community to engage with the summit’s thought‑leadership content. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a landmark gathering where senior executives, creative talent, and industry analysts converge to dissect the transformative forces at play across film, television, gaming, sports, and live entertainment.
By fostering cross‑sector dialogue and showcasing best practices from both established media giants and emerging digital innovators, the event seeks to chart a roadmap for the next decade of entertainment—a future defined by collaboration, technological integration, and a relentless focus on delivering compelling experiences to audiences worldwide.