In plain English
It is the organized starting point where the people involved come together to officially get the project underway. In that meeting, they go over what the project is meant to achieve, how it is expected to proceed, and who is responsible for what.
In context
Here, kickoff names the meeting that formally starts the new project and aligns the people involved on its goals, plans, and responsibilities.
- Situation
- Collaborating remotely through projects, tasks, meetings, handoffs, and approvals
- What it communicates
- names the launch meeting for a new project
Meaning limits
The term by itself does not say whether any project work has already been done before that meeting.
Examples
“At the project kickoff, the manager reviewed the goals, timeline, and each contractor's responsibilities.”
“Tuesday's kickoff for the library renovation includes the architect, builder, and city staff.”