The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, set to take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most eagerly anticipated participants are two high‑profile figures 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 is proud to serve as a promotional partner for the event, working in tandem with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment, to bring this gathering to a wider audience.
The summit’s central theme is "the forces reshaping entertainment," a broad umbrella that captures everything from the rapid evolution of media‑deal structures to the rise of trans‑media franchise ecosystems, the growing sway of global cultural trends, the resurgence of live‑event experiences, the promise of artificial intelligence in crafting more immersive fan interactions, and the ever‑shifting landscape of content monetisation. By assembling executives from across the entertainment spectrum – film, television, gaming, sports, live venues and talent representation – the conference aims to foster cross‑industry dialogue that can illuminate new pathways for growth and collaboration.
On the gaming side, David Tinson will join a panel focused on cross‑medium entertainment. The discussion will feature peers from Universal Entertainment as well as narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells, and will explore how video‑game IP can be leveraged across movies, series, merchandise and emerging formats such as virtual‑reality experiences. Tinson is expected to draw on EA’s recent successes with titles that have transcended the screen, illustrating how strategic partnerships and data‑driven storytelling can turn a game into a multi‑platform cultural phenomenon. Tian Xiao will appear on a separate panel that examines the global surge of Asian cultural exports.
As the head of North American partnerships for Tencent Games, Xiao brings a unique perspective on how Chinese and broader Asian studios are navigating Western markets, negotiating publishing deals, and adapting content to meet diverse audience expectations. The conversation will likely touch on the rise of titles like "Honor of Kings" and "PUBG Mobile," the role of localized esports ecosystems, and the broader implications for cultural diplomacy through interactive media. Keynote speakers for the summit include Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, who will 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 discuss the convergence of sports entertainment and traditional media, while Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will outline the studio’s vision for integrating film, television and gaming assets.
David Lee, CFO of Webtoon, will add a perspective on the monetisation of digital comics and their potential to feed into larger franchise ecosystems. Additional speakers will represent a cross‑section of the entertainment industry: senior leaders from Amazon Prime Video, executives from the Los Angeles Dodgers, representatives from Disney’s streaming and theatrical divisions, and senior managers from Regal Global Entertainment, among others.
The presence of talent‑agency powerhouses such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA) and Verve Talent & Literary Agency underscores the summit’s emphasis on the role of talent representation in shaping the future of content creation and distribution. The event offers both in‑person and virtual attendance options, allowing participants from around the world to engage with the sessions in real time or via on‑demand streams. For readers of GamesIndustry.biz, a special promotional code – GIB20 – provides a 20 percent discount on ticket purchases. The discount can be applied directly at checkout or by following a dedicated link provided in the partnership announcement.
Beyond the formal panels and keynotes, the summit will feature networking breaks, curated round‑table discussions, and one‑on‑one meetings designed to spark collaborations that bridge the gap between gaming and other entertainment sectors. Attendees can expect to leave with a deeper understanding of how AI‑driven personalization, blockchain‑based ownership models, and emerging distribution channels are reshaping revenue streams and fan engagement across the industry.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a landmark gathering where leaders from the worlds of video games, streaming, film, sports and live events converge to explore the dynamic forces that are redefining how stories are told, consumed and monetised. Whether you are a studio executive, a game developer, a content creator, or a talent agent, the summit offers a unique platform to gain strategic insights, forge new partnerships, and stay ahead of the rapidly evolving entertainment landscape.