A project kickoff meeting is the standard and most effective way to introduce the team, establish rapport, and lay the foundation for collaboration—especially in virtual and cross-cultural environments. It also sets expectations, roles, communication norms, and provides clarity on the project’s goals and direction.

According to the PMBOK® Guide – Seventh Edition, “Kickoff meetings foster team alignment, encourage engagement, and ensure shared understanding of objectives.” This is particularly critical when the team has never worked together before.

Options A and B may support team knowledge, but they lack real-time interaction. Option C (one-on-ones) may be helpful later, but does not replace a full-team kickoff for alignment and engagement.