Episode 17: How to Buy AI in 2026

EP

17

June 9, 2026

How to Buy AI in 2026

Or listen on:

Read transcript

About the Episode

About the Episode:

JC is joined by Element451 Chief Revenue Officer Trey Boyer and VP of Customer Strategy & Technology Kelly Sinacola to discuss the complexities of buying AI in higher education. They examine why many campuses struggle to realize ROI on AI investments, highlight the pitfalls of shiny demos and vaporware, and emphasize frameworks for selecting the right problems to solve. The conversation covers data readiness, the importance of organizational culture, and how successful AI adoption depends on people and process—not just technology. Practical advice is shared for institutional leaders preparing to make significant AI purchases.

‍

Connect With Our Host:

‍Dr. JC Bonilla‍

https://twitter.com/jbonillx

‍

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

People in this episode

Host

Dr. JeanCarlo (J. C.) Bonilla

Dr. JeanCarlo (J.C.) Bonilla is an executive leader in educational technology and artificial intelligence.

Interviewee

Kelly Sinacola

Kelly brings over 15 years of experience in the higher education industry.

Trey Boyer

Trey Boyer is the Chief Revenue Officer at Element451.

Other episodes

Ep. 106: How to Write an RFP That Actually Works

Marketing + Communications

All Episodes

Ep. 106: How to Write an RFP That Actually Works

Jaime Hunt sits down with Louis Miller to demystify the RFP process and share practical advice for higher education marketers navigating agency partnerships, procurement requirements, and major marketing investments.

with

Jaime Hunt

Episode #333: How AI Is Reshaping Course Design and Assessment

Technology + Data

All Episodes

Episode #333: How AI Is Reshaping Course Design and Assessment

Dustin speaks with Auryan Ratliff of Arizona State University about how AI—especially agentic AI—is transforming course design, assessment, and the broader student experience.

with

Dustin Ramsdell

Admissions + Enrollment

All Episodes

Episode 120: The SUNY AI Mandate

Mallory Willsea sits down with Ed Tatton, co-chair of SUNY Westchester’s Strategic AI Committee, to discuss what it takes to build meaningful AI governance before a mandate arrives.

with

Mallory Willsea

Ep. 47: Governance and Accessibility: How to Build Trust Around AI in Higher Ed

Technology + Data

All Episodes

Ep. 47: Governance and Accessibility: How to Build Trust Around AI in Higher Ed

Returning guest Joyce Peralta, Manager of Digital Communications at McGill University, joins Brian for a thoughtful conversation about what higher education institutions are getting right and wrong about AI adoption.

with

Brian Piper