The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the high‑profile participants 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. They will share the stage with a distinguished line‑up of leaders from traditional media and entertainment 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 in collaboration with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the gathering to a wider audience.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to convene top‑level decision‑makers from across the entire entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Key discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the expanding global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the future of live‑event experiences, the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan engagement, and innovative models for content monetisation in an increasingly digital world. One of the highlighted panels will focus on cross‑medium storytelling, featuring David Tinson alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven studio Madison Wells.
The conversation is expected to examine how video game IPs can be leveraged across film, television, and emerging interactive formats, and how collaboration between game developers and traditional studios can generate new revenue streams and audience touchpoints. In a separate session, Tian Xiao will sit on a panel dedicated to the global surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insight into how Tencent Games is positioning its titles for success in North America and Europe, and how the broader Asian entertainment sector is influencing worldwide consumer tastes.
The summit’s keynote roster includes several marquee names. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will deliver a keynote address that is likely to cover the streaming giant’s strategy for maintaining a pipeline of original content while navigating intense competition.
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 be integrated into broader content ecosystems. Sony Pictures’ Chairman and CEO, Ravi Ahuja, will share perspectives on the studio’s approach to franchise development and global distribution, and David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial outlook on the rapidly growing market for digital comics and short‑form storytelling. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a diverse array of panelists and presenters from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Executives from a variety of sectors—including gaming firms like EA and Pokémon, technology leaders like Apple, and major studios such as Paramount—will be present, fostering cross‑industry dialogue. Talent agencies with significant influence over the entertainment talent pipeline, including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency, will also send representatives, underscoring the summit’s comprehensive view of the talent‑driven side of the business. The Business of Entertainment Summit offers both virtual and in‑person attendance options, allowing participants to tailor their experience to personal preferences and logistical constraints. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code—GIB20—provides a 20% discount on ticket purchases, making the event more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who follow the gaming sector closely.
The discount can be applied directly through the dedicated link provided by the partnership arrangement. Overall, the summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live entertainment. By bringing together leaders from disparate yet increasingly interlinked segments of the industry, the Financial Times aims to facilitate conversations that will shape the strategic direction of entertainment for years to come.
Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a talent agent, the event offers a unique platform to network, share insights, and explore collaborative opportunities that reflect the rapidly evolving media landscape.