3 Brilliant 'Unofficial Start' Ideas to Engage Groups Quickly

How to Motivate People to Show Up On Time

Do you often find yourself frustrated with late arrivals at your meetings, classes, or events?

You’re not alone.

Managing latecomers is a common challenge for facilitators, teachers, and event organizers alike.

But what if you could create an environment that encourages people to show up not just on time, but even a little early?

The solution lies in what I call ‘unofficial starts.’

In this post, we’ll explore what an unofficial start is, why it’s so effective, and share some practical examples to help you implement this powerful strategy in your programs.

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What is an unofficial start?
The 2 core elements of an unofficial start
The value of unofficial starts: Why bother?
How to implement brilliant unofficial starts
Final thoughts

Speaking to large groups seated in tight space

What is an Unofficial Start?

An ‘unofficial start‘ is any strategy that engages your group early and invites interaction before the official start time of your meeting, class, or event.

Unlike traditional soft starts, which may include casual conversations or waiting for stragglers, an unofficial start serves a purpose: it creates engagement and sets the tone for what’s to come.

It’s not about filling in time; it’s about amplifying the purpose and productivity of your session from the moment people walk through the door.

Click the link above to learn more.

The 2 Core Elements of an Unofficial Start

1. Early Engagement & Interaction

Get your participants involved as soon as they arrive. This could be through a quick activity, a thought-provoking question, or an interactive task that gets people talking and connecting.

2. Purposeful Connection

The unofficial start should align with the theme or purpose of your meeting. For example, if you’re hosting a strategic planning session, use a short brainstorming game related to strategy. By making it relevant, you ensure that even the warm-up time is meaningful.

The Value of Unofficial Starts:
Why Bother?

If you’re wondering about the value of unofficial starts, consider this: people want to be where the action is.

When participants arrive and see something engaging already happening, they’re more motivated to join in rather than saunter in whenever they feel like it. You don’t have to reprimand latecomers; instead, create an environment where they naturally don’t want to miss out.

Let’s take a look at three real case studies I have been involved in.

And when you’re ready for more, click here to discover 9 awesome unofficial starts I have delivered with a wide variety of groups.

Bored students in classroom needing short breaks

Case Study #1:
Transforming University Classes

Back in the 1990s, I was a university lecturer facing the all-too-common issue of students showing up late. I decided to experiment with the concept of an unofficial start by setting up a small interactive activity—like a video, a puzzle, or even just sharing an interesting fact—before class officially began. Within a few weeks, students were showing up on time or even early because they didn’t want to miss out on whatever fun or thought-provoking thing I had set up. This small change turned into a powerful motivator for punctuality.

Bring people closer together like these surf life savers. Photo credit: Margarida Csilva

Case Study #2:
Energizing Surf Lessons

A major association of surf instructors had a problem: kids were being dropped off early for their surf lessons, but the teachers couldn’t start until everyone was there. The solution? Introducing ‘soft starts’ with low-supervision games and activities on the beach.

Kids began arriving even earlier to be part of the pre-lesson fun, which led to more focused time in the water once the official lesson began. The bonus? Stronger relationships and team spirit among the young surfers, making the lessons not only more engaging but also safer.

Brain break as my best conference energisers

Case Study #3:
Turning Waiting Time into Opportunity at Conferences

Ever been to a conference where the official start time has passed, but people are still trickling into the auditorium? What a waste of time and energy!

Recently, at a large conference, I requested 10 minutes before the official start to engage the early arrivals with a quick interactive game. The energy built quickly, and even those outside the room were drawn in by the excitement. By the time the keynote speaker took the stage, nearly every seat was filled. This is the magic of an unofficial start: it transforms idle time into productive engagement.

How to Implement Easy ‘Unofficial Starts’

Ready to incorporate unofficial starts into your meetings, classes, or events?

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Start with a Puzzle or Game

Choose an activity that’s easy to jump into and engages early arrivals right away. This could be a quick word puzzle, a brain teaser, or a collaborative game. Keep it light and relevant to the theme of your gathering.

2. Use a Question of the Day

Write a thought-provoking question on a whiteboard or display it on a slide. As participants arrive, invite them to write their answers or share their thoughts with their neighbours. This encourages interaction and sets a reflective tone for the rest of your session.

3. Short Videos or Thought-Starters

Play a short, relevant video or share an interesting fact that ties into the purpose of your meeting. Ask participants to discuss it in pairs or small groups as they arrive.

4. Creative Connections

If your gathering involves a specific topic – like strategy, teamwork, or leadership – design a quick activity that connects to it. For example, if strategy is your meeting’s focus, invite participants to share what the word “strategy” means to them, or ask them to create a fun acronym related to your session’s goal.

Final Thoughts:
Make Every Minute Count

Implementing unofficial starts is a simple yet powerful way to transform your gatherings. Whether you’re managing a classroom, running a training session, or hosting a large conference, starting early with purpose and energy sets the tone for the entire experience. Remember, the goal is to make every moment meaningful – even before the official start.

If you’re looking for more ‘soft start’ ideas, browse playmeo’s online activity database for 100s of activities that will keep your participants engaged from start to finish.

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Got Questions?

Leave a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect activity for your next session!

What’s your favourite way to unofficially start a session? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Original post October 2024, last updated October 2024.

By Mark Collard - Experiential Trainer, Author & Speaker

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3 Brilliant ‘Unofficial Start’ Ideas to Engage Groups Quickly