How to Plan an Epic Company Kickoff

A new year means a new Company Kickoff (CKO), and if you're looking to create an unforgettable experience for your team, planning with purpose is key. At NorthPoint, one of our favorite parts to the start of the year is crafting themed CKOs that inspire, engage, and set the tone for the year ahead. From selecting the perfect theme to designing swag, banners, presentations, and team-building activities, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we bring it all together each year, and how you can too!

Step 1: Choose a Theme That Inspires

Your CKO theme should reflect your company’s goals, values, and culture. A strong theme creates excitement and ensures every element—from branding to activities—feels cohesive. Here are some of our recent themes for inspiration:

• Built Different – Celebrating the uniquely amazing team that makes NorthPoint stand out. We leaned into our brand colors and created a custom "Built Different" logo to use on our event swag and content.

• Brick by Brick – Focusing on steady growth and teamwork, using a construction and masonry aesthetic to reinforce the message that every person, one brick at a time, contributes to our overall success.

• Level Up – A retro arcade theme highlighting our ability to rise to challenges and achieve our goals through strategic growth.

Step 2: Swag That Aligns with Your Theme

CKO swag should be fun, useful, and on-brand. Custom swag fosters a sense of unity and gives employees something to remember the event by. Here’s how we did it:

• Built Different: Custom journal, pen, sticker sheet, mousepad, t-shirt, and Yeti tumbler—all featuring NorthPoint branding and our event logo.

• Brick by Brick: A construction-inspired collection including a neon yellow long-sleeved t-shirt, Carhartt zip-up hoodie, ruler, multitool pen, sticker sheet, highlighters, three different Carhartt hats, and a neon yellow Yeti water bottle.

• Level Up: Retro arcade designs on a long-sleeve t-shirt and bright pink hoodie, complemented by a custom journal, blue and pink pens, a sticker sheet, and a trendy Owala tumbler with a retro design.

Step 3: Print Banners & Decorate the Space

Transforming your event space into a fully immersive experience takes banners, signage, and decorations that reinforce the theme. Consider:

• Custom banners & backdrops for photo ops and presentations.

• Themed table settings, centerpieces, balloons and wall decor to enhance the atmosphere.

• Props and interactive elements that tie into the theme—like arcade machines for Level Up or construction cones and caution tape for Brick by Brick.

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Step 4: Themed Presentation & Content

Your CKO presentations should be engaging, informative, and visually on-brand. That means:

• Designing slide decks that match the theme, from fonts to color palettes.

• Incorporating themed transitions, animations, and music to keep energy levels high.

• Ensuring leaders and speakers embrace the theme in their messaging and delivery.

Step 5: Team-Building with a Themed Twist

Team-building activities help reinforce the theme while fostering camaraderie. For example:

• Built Different: A tournament of team building activities like trivia, jenga, rock paper scissors train, and more, split in groups that combine people from all departments, encouraging cross-departmental communication and putting each person’s skills to use!

• Brick by Brick: A collaborative “Build the Tallest Tower” challenge using cardboard bricks. By moving one block per person at a time, this game encouraged communication and teamwork.

• Level Up: An arcade-style shooting game using a nerf gun with suction darts and targets on a glass wall.  With a mix of trivia and shooting, each team had to use their skills wisely to take home the win!

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

Step 6: Don't Forget the Food!

No CKO is complete without an incredible food lineup. Whether you’re catering breakfast at the start of the event to encourage mingling and increase energy, or you’re taking a break mid-event for some quick treats, food is a MUST when planning your CKO.

A well-executed CKO sets the tone for the year and energizes your team. By choosing a strong theme, investing in high-quality swag, and creating an immersive experience, you’ll ensure your kickoff is both memorable and impactful. Ready to start planning your best CKO yet? Take a page from NorthPoint’s playbook, and don’t forget—great swag and great food go a long way! 😉