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 most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game sector, specifically David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. These gaming leaders will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of media veterans drawn 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, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to help publicise the event. The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," and it is designed to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Attendees will explore a broad spectrum of topics that are currently redefining how audiences consume content. Discussion panels will delve into the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the intricate web of franchise ecosystems that span games, film, television and live events, and the growing cultural influence of entertainment products on a global scale.
In addition, the program will examine the role of live‑experience offerings, the potential for artificial‑intelligence technologies to deepen fan engagement, and the future pathways for monetising content across multiple platforms. One of the marquee sessions will feature David Tinson on a cross‑medium entertainment panel. He will join peers from Universal Entertainment and the narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells to discuss how intellectual property can flow seamlessly between video games, movies, television series and other formats, creating richer, more immersive experiences for consumers. Tian Xiao will contribute to a separate panel focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports, offering insight into how Tencent Games is leveraging its North American partnerships to bring Asian‑origin games and storytelling to a broader audience.
The keynote lineup is equally impressive. Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will share the streaming giant’s perspective on content strategy and global distribution.
Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment and media rights. Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will discuss the studio’s approach to integrating cinematic storytelling with emerging digital formats, while David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will provide a financial lens on the booming market for digital comics and their adaptation into other media. Beyond the headline speakers, the summit will feature a host of additional participants representing a diverse array of entertainment sectors.
Executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, Regal Global Entertainment, Pokémon, Apple and Paramount will all be present, offering their unique viewpoints on industry trends. Talent‑agency representatives from leading firms such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also attend, underscoring the importance of talent management in the evolving entertainment landscape.
The event is being offered in both virtual and in‑person formats, allowing participants from around the world to join the conversation. For those who wish to experience the summit on the ground, tickets are currently on sale. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special benefit: a 20 percent discount on the registration fee when they apply the promotional code GIB20 or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced rate makes it more accessible for industry professionals, analysts and enthusiasts to engage with the thought leaders shaping the future of entertainment.
Overall, the Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the intersection of gaming, film, television, live sport and emerging technologies. By assembling senior figures from both the interactive and linear media worlds, the conference aims to foster cross‑industry dialogue, spark collaborative ideas and illuminate the pathways through which content will be created, distributed and monetised in the years ahead. Whether attending in person in West Hollywood or joining remotely, participants can expect a deep dive into the strategic, creative and technological forces that are redefining how stories are told and experienced across the globe.