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 most notable additions 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 powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz, together with its parent organization IGNE Entertainment, serves as a promotional partner for the event.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," gathering top‑level decision‑makers from across the entire entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad array of topics that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized.
Key discussion points include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the rise of live‑event experiences, the potential of artificial intelligence to enhance fan engagement, and emerging strategies for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market. David Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will be joined by executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The conversation is expected to examine how video games, film, television, and emerging digital formats can intersect to create richer, more immersive experiences for audiences worldwide. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a separate session focused on the global surge of Asian cultural exports.
His perspective will shed light on how Tencent Games and other Asian developers are expanding beyond regional markets and influencing worldwide entertainment trends. The summit’s keynote roster is equally impressive.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will address the streaming giant’s strategy for staying ahead in a crowded market. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will discuss the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and mainstream media. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights into the studio’s approach to franchise development and international distribution. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the burgeoning digital comics sector and its synergies with other media forms.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will feature a variety of panelists and industry figures, including representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, creating ample networking opportunities for attendees. Talent agencies with significant influence in the entertainment world—Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also send delegates, underscoring the summit’s comprehensive coverage of the talent‑representation side of the business.
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 when they apply the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the publication. This special rate is intended to encourage a broader segment of the gaming press and community to engage with the summit’s high‑level conversations.
Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, live sports, and emerging technologies. By bringing together leaders from both the interactive and linear media sectors, the conference aims to foster dialogue that will shape the future of entertainment, influence strategic partnerships, and drive innovation across the global market. Whether you are a content creator, a studio executive, a technology developer, or a media investor, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insights, forge connections, and stay ahead of the rapid changes redefining how stories are told and consumed today.