DEPT® at MAD//Fest 2025

This July, DEPT® is returning to the UK’s biggest, busiest and boldest marketing festival. Fancy joining us?
We’ll be back at MAD//Fest in London, offering you a relaxing spot in between all the madness at the DEPT® Garden House – the ultimate hangout to meet industry leaders, engage in discussions, or simply unwind between all the inspiring sessions.
MAD//Fest is now sold out
We’re really sorry, but all our tickets have now been claimed and MAD//Fest is sold out. If you already have a ticket, find out how you can connect with us at the event below. Otherwise, we hope to see you at another event soon!
What to expect at The Event
FAST TRACKING INSIGHT AND INSPIRATION
This year, we’re making it even easier to connect with our experts and accelerate your learning, inspiration and networking at MAD//Fest.
Introducing: the DEPT® Discovery Sessions…
- 20 minute conversations. Get actionable insights direct from our experts. No fluff, just solutions.
- Tailored to you. A chance to discuss your biggest challenges (be that AI, creativity, technology, marketing strategy, media – or anything else) with a relevant specialist.
- Exclusive access. Limited slots that must be pre-booked. So act fast.
Ready to make the most of MAD//Fest? Register and we’ll be in touch to confirm your slot.
The Programme
ON STAGE ACTION
This year, we’re taking over the AI and Innovation stage – the go-to spot to fuel yourself with inspiration on the topic of the moment.
Here, you’ll find captivating sessions with our DEPT® experts and brands exploring how AI and innovative tech is changing the marketing landscape, and how to integrate it to accelerate campaigns.
Speed Kills (When You’re Not Fast Enough): How AI Is Fuelling Customer Growth at Breakneck Pace
TUESDAY 01 JULY – 11:10-11:30 BST
In a world where attention spans are shrinking, competition is hot hot hot, customer journeys are collapsing, and expectations are sky-high-thank-you-very-much, speed isn’t optional – it’s the strategy.
In this session, Global SVP of Emerging Technology, Isabel Perry, will break down how brands are using AI to drive faster and smarter growth across the entire customer journey.
Because if your competitors are moving faster than you, you’re not just behind – you’re disappearing.
AI Agents in Action: How Sainsbury’s is Reimagining Retail Media
WEDNESDAY 02 JULY – 11:10-11:30 BST
AI agents aren’t the future. They’re already here, transforming how brands operate at scale. In this session, Sainsbury’s and DEPT® will unpack how they’ve embedded AI agents into the core of Nectar360, Sainsbury’s retail media business.
With over 100 campaigns and thousands of assets to manage each year, the team needed a faster, smarter way to handle asset compliance without compromising on quality.
Their solution? A custom-built, multi-agent AI system that reviews logos, fonts, colours, objects, positioning, and T&Cs across static and video assets in under 20 seconds, with more than 90% accuracy. The platform is already reducing errors, cutting costs, and freeing up time for teams to focus on strategy and creativity.
Join us to explore how AI agents are powering real change in retail media and why starting with practical, scalable solutions like this is the smartest way to move forward
TALKING PORTRAIT: EXPERIENCE THE FUTURE OF AI
We won’t just be talking about AI. We’re letting you play with our AI innovation first hand. All day, every day at the DEPT® Garden House, you’ll be able to meet our Talking Portrait.
Think Harry Potter moving paintings, just smarter. A real life AI activation you can talk to, learn from, and play with. Go on, ask something unexpected…
CONNECT AND CHILL AT THE DEPT® GARDEN HOUSE
Your ultimate MAD//Fest hideaway awaits. The DEPT® Garden House is your oasis to unwind, catch up on emails, grab some exclusive merch, and connect with our team and industry leaders.
DEPT® + FRIENDS DRINKS – TUE 01 JULY – 16:30-18:00 BST
Join us for sundowners vibes, beers and cocktails to decompress from the day.
MAD//AFTERPARTY: CHILL EDITION – THU 03 JULY – 13:00-17:00 BST
When the madness of the official festival afterparty ensues, our space will be open for chill vibes.
As ever, spaces and time are (unfortunately) limited, so signing up quickly will help you secure access and an opportunity to connect with us at our oasis amongst the madness.
Meet the Team











