The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the notable participants are top executives from the video‑game 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 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 event, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment. The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," and it aims to bring together decision‑makers from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. Topics on the agenda include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and maintenance of franchise ecosystems, the worldwide cultural impact of entertainment brands, the growth of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in crafting fan‑centric experiences, and the future pathways for monetising content across platforms.
David Tinson will appear on a panel that examines cross‑medium storytelling and the ways in which intellectual property can flow between video games, film, television, and emerging formats. He will share the stage with executives from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑production specialists at Madison Wells, discussing how collaborative pipelines can unlock new revenue streams and deepen audience engagement. Meanwhile, Tian Xiao will contribute to a discussion focused on the global ascent of Asian cultural exports, highlighting how Tencent Games has helped bring Asian‑origin titles to Western markets and how the company envisions further expansion of Asian storytelling traditions worldwide. The summit’s keynote roster features a number of high‑profile figures.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will outline the streaming giant’s strategy for original programming and its approach to global distribution. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will speak about the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media. Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO Ravi Ahuja will share insights into the studio’s film and television portfolio, while David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will discuss the monetisation of digital comics and the potential for cross‑platform adaptations.
In addition to the keynote speakers, a broad array of panelists and participants will represent companies such as Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment. Executives from EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount are also slated to attend, providing a comprehensive view of the industry’s current challenges and opportunities.
Representatives from leading talent agencies—including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency—will be on hand to discuss talent management in an increasingly fragmented media environment. The Business of Entertainment Summit is designed to be both a networking hub and an educational forum. Attendees will have the chance to engage in intimate round‑table discussions, attend breakout sessions that dive into niche subjects like AI‑driven fan interaction, and participate in live demonstrations of emerging technologies that could shape the next decade of entertainment consumption.
The event will also explore how franchises can be nurtured across multiple platforms—video games, streaming series, live events, and merchandise—while maintaining a coherent brand narrative that resonates with diverse global audiences. Tickets are currently on sale for both virtual and in‑person participation. GamesIndustry.biz readers enjoy a special 20 percent discount when they use the promotional code GIB20 at checkout or follow the dedicated discount link provided by the site.
This reduced rate aims to encourage a wider segment of the gaming community to join the conversation, ensuring that perspectives from interactive entertainment are well represented alongside those from film, television, sports, and live‑event sectors. Overall, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media and entertainment.
By convening leaders from gaming, streaming, traditional studios, sports entertainment, and talent representation, the summit will illuminate how the industry is adapting to rapid technological change, shifting consumer preferences, and the growing importance of global cultural exchange. Whether you are a senior executive, a content creator, an investor, or a passionate fan, the event offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the strategies that will define entertainment for years to come.