The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior executives who will appear at its forthcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the speakers are high‑profile 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 for Tencent Games—who will sit alongside 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 serves as a promotional partner for the summit, working in tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring the event to a wider audience. The summit’s central theme, "the forces reshaping entertainment," is designed to gather influential voices from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how content is created, distributed, and monetised. Key discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting personalised fan interactions, and the future pathways for generating revenue from content across multiple platforms.
David Tinson will take part in a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, where he will share insights alongside executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production studio Madison Wells. The conversation is expected to delve into how video‑game IPs are increasingly being adapted into film, television, and other forms of media, and how collaborative strategies can amplify the reach and profitability of these properties.
Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His perspective will highlight how Tencent Games, as a leading Chinese developer and publisher, is leveraging its extensive portfolio to tap into international markets, and how the rise of Asian‑origin content is reshaping consumer preferences across the globe. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will discuss the streaming giant’s approach to original programming and its impact on global viewing habits.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will provide an overview of the live‑sports and entertainment business, emphasizing the synergies between combat sports, wrestling, and broader media strategies. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share his vision for the studio’s future in an era dominated by streaming and franchise‑driven content. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will address the financial dynamics of digital comics and their growing influence on transmedia storytelling.
Beyond the keynote speakers, the summit will feature a diverse array of panelists and participants from companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will also be present, offering insight into the talent side of the evolving entertainment landscape.
The event promises both in‑person and virtual attendance options, allowing participants from around the world to join the conversation. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code, GIB20, provides a 20% discount on ticket purchases. The discount can be applied directly through the dedicated link provided by the publication, making the summit more accessible to professionals and enthusiasts who wish to stay at the forefront of industry developments. Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit aims to serve as a nexus where creators, executives, investors, and analysts can exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and anticipate the next wave of innovation that will shape entertainment for years to come.
By bringing together leaders from gaming, streaming, film, sports, and live‑event sectors, the summit underscores the increasingly interconnected nature of modern media and the importance of collaborative strategies in navigating a rapidly changing market.