AI Accelerator | D&AD Festival 2026

Ahead of its launch in July 2026, Shutterstock Studios presents an exclusive early preview of the next D&AD AI Report, sharing emerging themes and fresh insights on AI’s evolving role in creative practice.

A behind-the-scenes look at how OLIVER and NetApp turned brand strategy into a Super Bowl campaign at speed. Rodrigo Sobral and Scott Herring will unpack the brief, the big idea and the process behind bringing the work to life, earning AI Ad of the Week along the way.

Rodrigo Sobral - Global CCO, OLIVER

Scott Herring - Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy and Marketing, NetApp

Move past headlines and hot takes, and join Laura Jordan Bambach for a sharp, practical look at how AI can support the creative process without overtaking it. In 30 minutes, she’ll share where these tools are most useful, where the pitfalls lie, and how creatives can begin experimenting in ways that enhance ideas rather than dilute them.

Laura Jordan Bambach - Founder & CCO, Uncharted

AI is reshaping creative work but beyond the hype, what does it actually look like in practice?

Led by Wesley ter Haar, Chief AI & Revenue Officer at Monks, this session moves past speculation to focus on real-world applications. Through live examples and behind-the-scenes workflows, we’ll explore how AI is being embedded into creative processes today—not as a replacement for craft, but as a tool that enhances it.

Expect an honest look at where AI adds real value in ideation, production, and scaling creative output, where it falls short, and how leading teams are integrating it into everyday work. A practical session for creative leaders who want to understand not just what’s coming, but what’s already here, and how to use it well.

Wesley ter Haar - Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer, monks

To close the AI Accelerator, Becky McOwen-Banks is joined by Rodrigo Sobral, Wesley ter Haar and Laura Jordan Bambach to reflect on the day’s key themes, share final takeaways, and look ahead to where AI is taking creative practice next.

Becky McOwen-Banks - Founder, Plain:ai

Wesley ter Haar - Co-Founder and Chief AI Officer, monks

Laura Jordan Bambach - Founder & CCO, Uncharted

Rodrigo Sobral - Global CCO, OLIVER