Direct Answer
A steel project kickoff meeting should cover: project overview (scope, tonnage, schedule), design document status, submittal requirements (format, routing, review period), RFI process, contact list (GC, engineer, owner, special inspector), drawing numbering convention, BIM/CDE platform, change order process, and any special requirements (seismic, coating, inspection level). Spend 90 minutes being thorough at kickoff and save days of confusion later.
Full Explanation
Kickoff meeting agenda template: (1) Introductions — all parties, roles, and contact information. (2) Scope review — confirm what's included and excluded. (3) Schedule — walk through detailing milestones, material delivery, fabrication, and erection. (4) Drawing submittal — who submits to whom, in what format, via which platform, with what review period commitment. (5) RFI process — format, routing, and response timeframe. (6) BIM requirements — LOD, IFC schedule, CDE access. (7) Special requirements — seismic system, NDT, coating spec, special inspection. (8) Change order process — notice period, pricing basis, authorization levels.
What This Means for Your Shop
Kickoff meetings are investments. A 90-minute meeting at project start prevents 10–20 hours of confusion, miscommunication, and dispute resolution over the life of the project. Make kickoff attendance mandatory for your project manager and shop superintendent.
Common Mistakes
Skipping the kickoff meeting because 'the documents say everything.' Documents don't establish relationships or clarify ambiguities — people do. A kickoff meeting is the only time early in a project when all key parties are in one conversation.
Recommended Process
Prepare a kickoff agenda 1 week before the meeting. Send it to all attendees so they can prepare. Take meeting minutes and distribute within 24 hours. Track action items from the kickoff in your project management log.