How to Run a Year-End All-Hands Meeting That People Actually Enjoy

The "Year-End All-Hands." It’s supposed to be a celebration. Usually, it’s 90 minutes of leadership talking at slides while employees multitask with their cameras off.

You have one chance to end 2025 on a high note and build momentum for 2026. Don’t waste it on a monologue. Here is the agenda framework for an interactive, high-energy Year-End meeting.

1. The "Wins" Word Cloud (5 Mins)

Start positive. Don't just list revenue stats. Ask the team: "What was your proudest moment this year?"

Use a Live Word Cloud. As people type, the screen fills with projects, teammates' names, and achievements. It’s an instant visual celebration of culture.

2. The "Honest" Retro (15 Mins)

toxic positivity kills trust. You need to acknowledge the challenges. Use an Anonymous Poll to ask: "What is the one thing we need to fix in 2026?"

Address the top voted issues live. This builds massive psychological safety and shows leadership is listening. (See our Business Solutions for more on anonymous feedback).

3. The "Superlatives" Awards (10 Mins)

Make it fun. Use a Live Quiz to vote on fun awards like "Most Likely to Fix a Bug at 2 AM" or "Best Zoom Background." It breaks the tension and humanizes the team.

4. The 2026 Vision Vote (Closing)

Don't just tell them the goals. Let them choose the priority. "Of these 3 goals, which one excites you most?" Knowing the team is aligned gives you a powerful mandate entering January.

Want to run this agenda? Get the full toolkit for your All-Hands meeting.