The Financial Times has announced the senior‑level roster for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable additions are representatives from the video‑gaming 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 in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a broader audience.
The summit’s theme, "Forces Reshaping Entertainment," is designed to gather influential voices from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a wide array of subjects that are redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetized. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural impact of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalized fan interactions, and innovative strategies for content monetisation in an increasingly fragmented market.
David Tinson will sit on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will discuss how gaming, film, television, and other formats can intersect to create richer storytelling experiences. He will be joined by leaders from Universal Entertainment and Madison Wells, a narrative‑production firm known for its work on transmedia projects. Their conversation is expected to delve into case studies of successful collaborations, the challenges of aligning creative visions across different platforms, and the financial implications of expanding intellectual property into new territories.
Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate discussion focused on the global rise of Asian cultural exports. As the head of North American partnerships for Tencent Games, Xiao brings a perspective on how Asian gaming titles, music, and visual media are gaining traction in Western markets.
The panel will examine the factors driving this shift, including the increasing appetite for diverse storytelling, the role of streaming services in amplifying non‑Western content, and the strategic partnerships that enable cross‑border distribution. Keynote speakers for the event include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will likely share insights on the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on global viewing habits.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and media rights in the digital age. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to franchise development and international market penetration, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will provide a financial perspective on the booming digital comics sector and its integration with other entertainment forms.
In addition to the headline speakers, the summit will feature representatives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment, among others. Executives from companies such as EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount will be present, offering a comprehensive view of the industry’s current trajectory.
Talent agencies including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also send delegates, underscoring the importance of talent representation in shaping the future of entertainment. The event will be accessible both virtually and in person, catering to a global audience of industry professionals, analysts, and enthusiasts. Tickets are on sale now, and GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a 20% discount by applying the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizers. This reduced rate aims to encourage broader participation from the gaming community, ensuring that the dialogue reflects the increasingly intertwined nature of gaming and traditional media.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering where leaders can exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and chart the course for an entertainment landscape that is more interconnected, technologically driven, and culturally diverse than ever before. Whether attending in person in West Hollywood or joining remotely, participants will gain valuable insights into the strategic decisions shaping the next decade of entertainment across all platforms.