Planning a corporate BBQ? Here’s how to turn your B2B summer event into a real experience
22/06/2026
Native eventonline blog
en
As soon as the first sunny days arrive, many companies start to get itchy feet. The calendar gradually fills up with informal get-togethers: after-work drinks in summer bars, team days… and above all: the annual company BBQ (and rightly so)!
Few formats are as effective at bringing people together as a summer event in the open air. No stuffy settings, long speeches or fancy outfits: the focus is simply on good food, a relaxed atmosphere and space for genuine connection.
But anyone who thinks organising a BBQ is easy is underestimating one crucial factor: the venue.
A corporate BBQ is all about the experience, and that starts with the venue: a cosy garden, a green space or an industrial site with a rugged outdoor vibe instantly creates a different atmosphere to, say, a traditional function room or your company’s car park.
People move about more, chat more spontaneously and often linger longer in the right setting.
That search for the right setting explains why search terms such as ‘outdoor event venue Belgium’ and ‘rent an event venue with a garden’ peak every year around this time.
The best venues have one thing in common: they feel effortless. Everything falls into place without you, as the organiser, having to constantly think about it.
Be sure to check the following:
On Eventonline.be, you’ll find plenty of venues that perfectly capture that summery BBQ vibe. Here are a few types that are particularly popular:
Rural farmhouses and leafy estates
These are ideal for a relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Think of a historic square farmhouse such as Het Lavershuis in Wemmel, where you’re surrounded by greenery with long tables and shared dishes for a cosy, informal setting.
Or head down to the water at O’Douce Events in Nazareth, a boho-chic venue that’s tailor-made for a summer BBQ. Afterwards, you can enjoy a cosy chat around a fire pit. This setting is ideal for larger teams who really want to bond.
For those who prefer a more sleek and modern look, industrial venues with an inner courtyard, terrace or rooftop are an excellent choice.
Think of Brisa, a rooftop venue in Antwerp with views of the Havenhuis, or Den Oven in Boom, a renovated brickworks with an industrial feel on the banks of the Rupel, close to the De Schorre leisure park.
They combine character with flexibility and give your event just that little bit of edge!
The most successful events combine food with an experience. Not an overloaded programme, but subtle extras that enhance the atmosphere, such as:
After all, it’s these details that enable people to connect with one another even more deeply and ensure your event leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re planning an event this summer, it’s best not to wait too long, as the most popular venues and catering partners often book up quickly, especially in the areas around Antwerp, Ghent and Brussels. A good rule of thumb for planning?
Start your search two to three months in advance. That way, you’ll still have plenty of choice and time to tailor your event to your exact requirements.
A corporate BBQ is perhaps one of the most accessible formats, but at the same time one of the most underrated.
With the right venue, a strong catering concept and a few clever extras, you can effortlessly create an event that is not only enjoyable but also truly brings people together – and that is ultimately what it’s all about.
On Eventonline.be, you can find the right partners at a glance, ranging from venues to catering and staff!
