More and more companies are swapping Christmas parties for kick-off events… but the best ones go far beyond a boardroom presentation.
In this guide, we’ll take you through how to run a kick-off meeting that energises your team, sets the tone for the year and leaves everyone feeling connected and ready to tackle what’s ahead.
What is a kick-off meeting?
A company kick-off meeting is a gathering held at the start of a business period (often the financial year) where leadership and employees come together to align on goals, share strategy and connect as a team.
A typical company kick-off might start with a presentation, include some team-building activities, and finish with a party or social gathering. But there are no rules. It is all about bringing your team together in a way that works for them.
Why hold a kick-off meeting?
Don’t underestimate the power of bringing your team together.
A kick-off event isn’t just about aligning on business goals, it’s about making your people feel valued, motivated and part of something bigger.
By celebrating achievements and sharing standout stats from the previous year, you show recognition for the hard work that’s gone in, while inspiring your team to give their best in the year ahead. When your people feel good, your business feels the benefit too.
And of course, alignment matters. A kick-off is the perfect opportunity to ensure everyone is pulling in the same direction, with clarity on the company vision and goals for the year ahead.
What to Discuss and Include in the Kick-Off Meeting
- Set expectations for the day – always begin by explaining what the day will involve. People like to know what is coming next. It relaxes them and sets the tone, so they know what to expect.
- Celebrate wins and give shout-outs – start the day on a high! Share the positives from the previous year: big stats, highlights and special mentions for individuals. Recognition makes people feel noticed and valued and more likely to keep performing at their best.
Note: Make sure to add time for breaks – give too much information all at once and attention will start to drift.
- Outline goals for the year – this is the heart of your kick-off meeting. Everyone needs to be clear on where the business is heading and what success looks like. Setting clear goals brings focus and motivation.
- Team-building activities – give your team a chance to build relationships and confidence with each other. The better-connected people feel, the more motivated they’ll be to work together.
- Time with the team – Have an evening party with the team, give people the chance to let their hair down and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
Tip: Share the meeting notes afterwards – this keeps everyone aligned and gives a reference point for the year ahead.
How to make your kick-off meeting memorable
We get it… budgets are tight, and a kick-off meeting might not feel like the top priority. But investing in your team pays off. When people feel valued and energised, their commitment and performance grow.
Here’s how to make it memorable:
- Choose the right venue and tech – a good screen, comfortable space and smooth presentation set the tone. Cutting corners with tired, low-quality equipment sends the message that the company isn’t willing to invest in its people.
- Bring in a guest speaker – someone motivational can add inspiration and excitement to the day.
- Add interactive elements – polls, quizzes or problem-solving activities keep energy high.
- Ask for the team’s input – create space for open discussion where ideas flow and team members feel heard.
- Celebrate creatively – themed snacks, surprise treats or small recognition moments go a long way.
- Reassure your team – remind them they’re in the right company and that the year ahead is full of opportunity.
- HAVE FUN – Enjoy the day with your team!
At the end of the day, your team will remember how they felt, not just what was said.
A well-planned kick-off meeting leaves people feeling motivated, valued and clear on the year ahead. It’s the perfect way to start strong.
Now that you’re armed with a wealth of ideas for a truly successful kick-off event, you’ll also have an idea of the amount of organising, planning and managing required.
We can help you with the whole event or just selected aspects of it:
- Venue finding
- Entertainment
- Event management
- AV equipment hire
- Technical support
- Creative services such as branding
