The Financial Times has announced an impressive roster of senior executives who will take the stage at its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are top leaders 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 sit alongside a distinguished line‑up that includes senior figures 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, collaborating with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s central theme is “the forces reshaping entertainment,” a broad umbrella that captures the rapid convergence of media, technology, and cultural trends that are redefining how audiences consume content. Over the course of the two‑day program, attendees will hear from leaders across the entire entertainment ecosystem about a variety of pressing topics. These include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television, and merchandising, and the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands.
The agenda also delves into the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and the future pathways for monetising content in an increasingly fragmented market. David Tinson will appear on a panel that explores cross‑medium storytelling, sharing insights on how EA is leveraging its rich portfolio of game IPs to create experiences that flow seamlessly between interactive and linear formats.
He will be joined by representatives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, fostering a discussion that examines the creative and commercial opportunities when video‑games intersect with film, television, and emerging digital platforms. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His perspective will highlight how Tencent Games is positioning its titles for success in North America, the strategic partnerships it is forging, and the broader implications of Asian‑origin content gaining traction across global markets.
The summit’s keynote roster features some of the most influential voices in contemporary media. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will address the streaming giant’s strategy for original content development and the ways in which data‑driven insights shape programming decisions. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the synergies between live sports, combat entertainment, and digital distribution, illustrating how the convergence of these domains creates new revenue streams. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for the future of film and television production in an era defined by rapid technological change.
Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning market for digital comics and the monetisation models that support creator ecosystems. Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and presenters. Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment will contribute their viewpoints on topics ranging from sports‑related content strategies to the integration of immersive technologies in theme‑park experiences.
Representatives from major talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, offering insight into how talent representation is adapting to the multi‑platform reality of modern entertainment. The event is designed to be accessible to both in‑person attendees and those who prefer to participate virtually. Tickets are currently on sale, with options for full‑day passes, single‑day access, and digital‑only attendance. As a special benefit for the GamesIndustry.biz community, readers can claim a 20% discount on any ticket type by entering the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the site.
This incentive is intended to encourage a wider cross‑section of industry professionals—particularly those from the gaming sector—to engage with the broader conversations taking place at the summit. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live‑event domains converge to examine the shifting dynamics of the entertainment landscape.
By bringing together executives from EA, Tencent, Netflix, Sony Pictures, Disney, and other major players, the conference aims to foster collaborative dialogue, uncover new business opportunities, and chart a roadmap for the next generation of content creation and distribution. Whether you are a senior executive, a mid‑level manager, or an emerging professional interested in the future of entertainment, the summit offers a unique platform to gain strategic insights, network with industry peers, and explore the innovative technologies that will shape audience experiences for years to come.