A company BBQ is more than meat on the grill

One question you have to answer before you book a venue: what do you want this company BBQ to achieve? The answer determines everything.

There are three formats that work well for a company BBQ.

The culinary team-building BBQ: teams do the grilling themselves under the guidance of a chef. Participants are actively involved in the food. This format builds collaboration in a direct way: preparing a dish together calls for communication, timing and trust. Suitable for teams of 15 to 80 people.

With the classic approach, a professional caterer takes care of everything: staff eat and drink at their leisure. There's music and perhaps a few activities. This is the low-key company BBQ: convivial, without much of a programme. Suitable for companies of all sizes.

Larger groups often opt for a festival BBQ: multiple grill stations with different cuisines, from Greek to Asian or American. Alongside a live band, games and a distinct atmosphere. Suitable for more than 100 people.

Our recommendation: pick one format and take it far. A good company BBQ has one clear idea. That idea doesn't have to be original: it has to match who you are as a company.

The choice of venue for a BBQ event completely determines the atmosphere. And you have more options than you think.

Your own outdoor grounds are the most practical choice. Advantages: no rental costs, easy logistics, staff don't have to travel far. Disadvantages: you have to arrange the marquee, tables, chairs, power and water connection yourself. A permit may be needed for larger groups.

A city park offers plenty of space and a green atmosphere. Most local councils grant an event permit for groups of up to 150 people, but the application process takes 6 to 8 weeks. Requirements vary by council: some don't allow open fire, others do. Check this early.

Beach clubs and waterside venues give an instant summer feel. They have their own catering and allow professional grills. Downside: you pay rent plus a minimum spend, which pushes the total cost up to €50 to €80 per person.

Country estates and outdoor venues are ideal for larger groups. Many estates have a BBQ package including terrace set-up. Budget: €40 to €70 per person in total.

For a BBQ event of up to 80 people: use your own grounds if you have them, or choose a beach club with a package. Above 100 people, a venue with its own facilities is almost always the better choice.

The catering is the heart of a BBQ event. This is not where you cut corners, because guests notice a bad BBQ straight away.

For most company BBQs, a professional caterer who grills on site is the best choice. They bring their own equipment and know how much to prepare for your group. They also make sure there's a constant supply of hot food. Reckon on €20 to €35 per person for a good BBQ caterer, excluding drinks.

Want to use the catering as a team-building element? Consider a BBQ workshop where a chef guides the teams through grilling themselves. Teams of 8 to 12 people get their own grill and ingredients, and a chef judges the end result. This format lasts 2 to 3 hours and costs €35 to €55 per person, including equipment and guidance.

Good BBQ catering always has: several meat and fish options, a proper vegetarian alternative, various side dishes, bread and sauces, and dessert. Vegetarians and vegans want real options too: make sure you don't forget them in the planning.

Drinks at a BBQ: reckon on beer, wine, soft drinks and a summery cocktail option. At a three-hour event, count on three to five drinks per person. Total catering budget including drinks: €35 to €55 per person for a solid company BBQ.

A BBQ event doesn't need a full entertainment programme: the food and the surroundings are already the experience. But a few well-chosen activities lift the event to another level.

Music is almost always a good idea. A live musician playing quietly while people eat and drink adds atmosphere without overwhelming. Think of an acoustic guitarist, a jazz duo or a relaxed DJ set. Cost: €300 to €800 for a musician for two to three hours.

Something more active? Consider beach volleyball, pétanque, Jenga or other outdoor games that are easy to join and also work for people who aren't sporty. These activities cost little and create plenty of movement and conversation.

For teams with a competitive streak, an organised BBQ challenge works well. Who grills the best dish and who makes the tastiest marinade? A judging element makes it instantly playful. Combine it with small prizes for the best team spirit.

Want more entertainment? A live cooking demonstration by a chef, a cocktail-mixing workshop or a photo corner with BBQ props are popular additions. Budget: €500 to €1,500 depending on the set-up.

Our rule of thumb: don't over-plan. A BBQ works best when there's room for spontaneous conversation. Two activities and good music are more than enough.

A corporate BBQ or summer drinks costs roughly €75 to €125+ per person ex. VAT for 250 to 500 guests. For 500 to 1,000 guests, reckon on around €60 to €110+ per person. For 1,000 to 2,000 guests, around €50 to €100+ per person. For more than 2,000 guests, around €45 to €95+ per person. All amounts exclude VAT and include venue, catering, entertainment and production.

A BBQ or summer drinks is usually shorter than an evening party, with catering that suits the season. That's why the price per person is lower.

A BBQ event that really works and sticks isn't made by chance. You make it with the right catering, the right venue and an approach that fits your team.

Live Impact organises BBQ events for companies of 40 to 400 staff. From concept to delivery, from caterer to music.

Call us on 085 401 40 14 or send an email to hello@live-impact.nl.

Seriously fun.