CIOs are planning their 2026 budgets with a sharper eye on AV than in years past. The rush of hybrid upgrades has slowed, but the aftershocks are still being felt. Systems deployed during the early remote-work boom now sit alongside aging infrastructure, patchwork fixes and pressure from both users and finance leaders to improve performance across the board.
What used to be a straightforward procurement cycle has become a much more strategic conversation. CIOs want gear that works, yes — but that’s table stakes. What they really want are systems that align with enterprise-wide goals and hold up to serious scrutiny.
Here’s what enterprise buyers are looking for the upcoming year, and how AV providers can deliver.
AV Budgets That’s Aligned with IT’s Reality
AV systems were once managed on a completely different timeline than the rest of the IT stack. That separation no longer works. CIOs expect their AV investments to follow the same cadence as the rest of their tech environment, including predictable refresh cycles and clearer planning around equipment lifecycle and depreciation.
To make that possible, AV needs to plug into how IT operates day to day. Leaders want to see where equipment stands, how it’s holding up and catch issues before they escalate. Surprises are a lot harder to justify, especially ones that require time and budget.
That’s where the right partner matters. Leave the product specs aside — CIOs want foresight. When a vendor recommends a system, they want to know what it means down the line. Will it be compatible with future tools? What kind of support will it need over time? Can it scale with the business?
Partners who can answer those questions in IT’s language are already ahead.
Clearer Data and Smarter Measurement
Enterprise tech leaders are under pressure to justify every dollar, and AV is no exception. But without the right data, it’s hard to quantify success. That’s where AV teams can step in.
CIOs are looking for AV solutions that generate clear, usable reporting. They want to know which rooms are underused, where systems are failing, and what kind of experience users are having. If the data isn’t there, it’s hard to defend the spend.
This is where AV partners can make a real difference. When AV reporting is tied into the organization’s broader data architecture, it becomes easier to build a case for expansion or reconfiguration. Platforms that offer space utilization metrics, uptime tracking and support ticket trends help CIOs answer questions and plan better. A recent report from Commercial Integrator notes a clear shift: enterprise buyers are asking integrators for more than just installs. Remote monitoring, analytics and long-term planning support are where demand is rising.
ROI That’s Practical, Not Abstract
Most CIOs are not asking for AV to “wow” their end users. They want systems that quietly make the workday smoother. That’s where return on investment actually lives — in fewer support calls, faster meeting starts and reliable communication during high-stakes moments.
The challenge is making that value visible.
AV partners need to bring cost-of-ownership clarity to the table early. That includes install costs, of course, but also maintenance, training, replacement parts and time lost to troubleshooting. When those numbers are laid out upfront, AV becomes part of the budgeting conversation and not an afterthought.
When the right systems are in place, the results are easy to measure. Fewer tech-related delays. Fewer tickets to IT. A better experience for teams and leaders alike.
That’s the kind of ROI CIOs are willing to invest in. But they need help making the case.
What 2026 Budgets Mean for AV Integrators
CIOs don’t expect AV vendors to solve every IT challenge. But they do expect partnership. That means showing up with a clear understanding of their priorities: stability, interoperability, security and fiscal responsibility.
It also means being flexible. Don’t force a solution that can’t integrate. Don’t recommend equipment without considering long-term management. And don’t expect CIOs to fill in the gaps.
The AV partners who are thriving right now are the ones who help simplify systems, reduce surprises and build confidence with every upgrade.
Budget Conversations That Build Trust
Many AV projects are scoped around a specific deadline, whether it’s a: new building, leadership kickoff or a major overhaul. But real value shows up after the system is installed. That’s when AV earns its place as a strategic contributor.
If you want a seat at the table in 2026 planning, meet CIOs on their terms. Understand their pressures. Support their goals. Speak in the language of reliability and sustainability, not features and specs.
There’s an opportunity here for AV teams to lead, but it starts with meeting CIOs on their terms for budgets. When AV is framed as part of the organization’s broader tech and operations ecosystem — not an island — the conversation gets more strategic. And so does the investment.
Bill Thrasher, COO, has more than 15 years of experience at AV-Tech Media Solutions.
