Company kick-off
Organising a kick-off
A kick-off brings teams together at the start of a year or a project to share results, set objectives and build momentum. It usually lasts half a day or a full day, sometimes two days with an evening event. Book the venue 2 to 4 months ahead, more for a large group or a residential format.
In short
- A half day, a full day or two days with an evening event.
- A plenary for the key messages, workshops to take ownership of the objectives.
- Book the venue 2 to 4 months ahead.
- January and September are the most common times.
Kick-off formats
The format depends on the number of participants, how far they travel and what you want to achieve together.
| Format | Duration | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Half day | 3 to 4 hours, with a lunch or a cocktail | Announcing objectives to a team close to the venue, without long travel. |
| Full day | One day, lunch included | Alternating plenary and workshops, with team time in the afternoon. |
| Residential kick-off with an evening | Two days and one night on site | Bringing together teams from several cities, with an evening to strengthen ties. |
| Kick-off abroad | Two or three days, flights included | Marking a major launch with teams from several countries, in an easy-to-reach destination. |
Typical agenda for a one-day kick-off
An example to adapt to your objectives and the size of the group.
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8:30 am
Welcome
Coffee, badges and participants settling in.
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9:00 am
Opening plenary
Management presents the results and the priorities for the year.
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10:45 am
Workshops
In small groups, each team turns the objectives into actions.
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12:30 pm
Lunch
Time for the teams to talk to each other.
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2:00 pm
Team time
Workshop feedback, then a team building activity.
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5:00 pm
Closing
Summary of commitments, then a cocktail to end the day.
Kick-off checklist
- Define the main message and two or three objectives for the day.
- Set the date early, before diaries fill up.
- Choose a venue that is easy to reach for all participants.
- Check the plenary room, the workshop rooms and the technical equipment.
- Brief the speakers and prepare a minute-by-minute running order.
- Plan a feedback questionnaire at the end of the day.
Frequently asked questions
What is a kick-off?
A launch meeting that brings teams together at the start of a year, a season or a project: management shares the results and the objectives, then the teams work on putting them into practice.
When should you organise a kick-off?
Most often in January or September, at the start of a new cycle. The launch of a project or a product can also justify a kick-off at any time of the year.
How far in advance should you book the venue?
Usually 2 to 4 months, more for a large group or a residential kick-off with a night on site.
How long should a kick-off last?
Half a day is enough to announce objectives to a local team. A full day leaves room for workshops; two days with an evening suit teams coming from several cities.
Which venue should you choose for a kick-off?
A venue easy to reach by train or car, with a plenary room for the whole group, workshop rooms and a space for lunch or a cocktail.
How do you make a kick-off memorable?
Alternate key messages and participation: workshops, questions and answers, a team activity. A venue that is a change from the office and a successful evening leave a lasting memory.
Let us find the perfect venue for you - it's free!
- Benefit from a personalized venue search for your professional event. An event expert will guide you from the initial briefing to offer negotiations.
- If you are organizing an event that combines multiple criteria (meeting rooms, team-building activities, accommodations, evening events, etc.), Alfred Meeting conducts a custom venue search for you.