A company outing that appeals to both management and employees combines a professional structure with a genuine experiential element. Management wants value for money, a clear program, and a venue that feels sufficiently professional. Employees want fun, connection, and a break from the daily routine. The key lies in a format that meets both needs simultaneously, without compromising on either. The questions below will help you plan a trip step by step that everyone will love.
What does management expect from a company outing?
Management expects a company outing to serve a clear purpose: to strengthen team cohesion, motivate employees, or mark a strategic milestone. In addition, managers want a transparent budget, a reliable venue, and a program that looks professional. An outing must be justifiable internally, including to the finance department.
In practical terms, this means that management is looking for venues with facilities that feel professional. Think of meeting spaces, high-quality audiovisual equipment, excellent catering, and a dedicated point of contact who handles all the arrangements. A beach venue might raise some skepticism, but that’s unwarranted if the facilities are up to par. It’s not about it looking formal, but about it being functional and beneficial to the team.
Management also values predictability. An all-inclusive package with a per-person price makes it easy to get internal approval. The fewer surprises in the budget, the more likely the outing is to go ahead.
How do you ensure that employees really let loose during a team-building outing?
Employees really come into their own when they do something that’s completely outside the scope of their daily work. Active outdoor activities, an informal atmosphere, and the freedom to make their own choices are the most effective ingredients for this. A program that balances physical activity, relaxation, and shared meals works best.
A common mistake is planning an outing that’s really just an extended meeting—only in a different location. Employees see right through that. What does work: activities where everyone starts on an equal footing and where teamwork develops naturally. Kitesurfing or power kiting on the beach are good examples of this. No one is an expert at it yet, which temporarily breaks down the hierarchy and allows colleagues to get to know each other in a different way.
Fresh air and a change of scenery also help you relax physically. Research has long confirmed that spending time outdoors improves your mood and reduces stress. A company outing to the beach is a smart way to take advantage of this.
What makes a beach location suitable for a business event?
A beach venue is ideal for a business event when it combines professional facilities with a unique, inspiring setting. The venue should feature modern audiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi, in-house catering, and the capacity to accommodate groups of various sizes. The atmosphere does the rest.
The beach offers a psychological advantage that a traditional meeting room can never provide: it takes people out of their comfort zone in a positive way. The combination of open space, sea air, and an informal setting makes conversations more relaxed and ideas flow more freely. That is exactly what a retreat or kick-off meeting aims to achieve.
From a practical standpoint, accessibility is something to check in advance. A beach location that’s easily accessible by both private and public transportation makes it easier for people to attend. Parking, changing rooms, and showers are the details that make the difference between an enjoyable outing and a chaotic one.
Which activities best combine fun and team building?
Activities that combine fun and team building are those that require cooperation, allow everyone to participate, and yield immediate results. Beach games, power kiting, and kitesurfing lessons score high in this regard. They are accessible enough for beginners, challenging enough to keep people engaged, and naturally foster shared experiences.
Outdoor activities
Power kiting and kitesurfing lessons are particularly effective for team building because they’re new to almost everyone. Participants are on the same level, learn from one another, and celebrate small successes together. This fosters a sense of connection in a way that a team-building exercise in a conference room can never match. Plus, it gives people a sense of accomplishment that stays with them for a long time.
Dining and socializing together
Informal moments over food are often underestimated as a team-building tool. A group lunch or drinks after an active program gives people the opportunity to chat, laugh, and connect outside of the work context. Catering from our own kitchen, featuring a fresh and varied selection, makes this moment a full-fledged part of the program rather than an afterthought.
How do you submit a company outing for internal approval?
The best way to pitch a company outing for approval is to answer two questions before they’re even asked: what are the benefits, and what will it cost? Combine a clear objective with a transparent budget and a venue that conveys a professional image. Make sure the proposal is compelling on its own, even without a verbal explanation.
Practical advice: link the outing to a specific business objective. Consider strengthening teamwork after a reorganization, motivating the team after a busy quarter, or celebrating a milestone. An outing with a clear purpose is easier to sell than one organized just for the sake of it.
Ask the venue for an all-inclusive quote with a price per person, including the program, catering, and any activities. Finance and management don’t want any surprises later on. The clearer the proposal, the faster the decision will be made. Having a dedicated event coordinator as a point of contact also builds internal confidence: there’s someone to hold accountable if things go wrong. Still unsure about the options? Feel free to contact us for personalized advice.
Where in the Netherlands can you organize a unique company outing by the sea?
For a unique corporate outing at the beach in the Netherlands, the Sand Motor near Scheveningen is one of the most extraordinary locations. The area combines a natural, peaceful setting with excellent accessibility from the Randstad. Here you’ll find BLOW Beach House, a beach venue fully equipped to host corporate events for 15 to 750 people.
We offer meeting facilities equipped with modern AV equipment, Wi-Fi right by the sea, in-house catering, and active programs such as kitesurfing, power kiting, and beach games. Everything under one roof, managed by a dedicated events team with a personal coordinator. More than 150 events take place here each year, ranging from team-building retreats and kick-off meetings to large staff parties.
Its location right next to the Sand Motor, surrounded by nature and with a view of the sea, makes it a venue that employees will remember. Not because it’s spectacular in the traditional sense, but because it’s truly unique. And that’s exactly what a great company outing in 2026 needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a company outing at the beach?
For groups of up to 50 people, booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance is usually sufficient, but for larger groups or popular dates in the spring and summer, it’s best to book 2 to 3 months in advance. Beach venues with business facilities are scarce and book up quickly, especially on Fridays and around holidays. So book early, even if the program isn’t fully finalized yet—a good venue will accommodate changes in the lead-up to the event.
What if some members of my team aren't athletic or have physical limitations?
A good company outing takes the team’s diversity into account. Choose activities with a low barrier to entry that allow participants to join in at their own level, such as power kiting, where you can also play a full role as a spectator and cheerleader. Always combine active elements with moments of relaxation, such as a group lunch or drinks, so that everyone has an equally enjoyable experience. Discuss any limitations in advance with the venue’s event coordinator to ensure the program is inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
How can I keep costs under control without compromising on quality?
The smartest way to control costs is to opt for an all-inclusive package per person, so you know exactly what to expect and avoid any unexpected charges. Carefully select the essential elements—such as catering and one main activity—and eliminate unnecessary extras that add little to the experience. A weekday date is also often more affordable than a Friday, and for larger groups, there’s usually room for volume discounts that you can actively negotiate.
Is a trip to the beach also a good idea in the fall or winter?
Absolutely—a beach location in the fall or winter has a unique atmosphere that’s hard to match in the summer. The peaceful surroundings, stormy weather, and empty horizon create an impressive setting that enhances the feeling of “really getting away from it all.” Just make sure the venue has a heated indoor space and the option to hold some activities indoors in case of extreme weather conditions. Good venues always offer a flexible alternative for this.
How can I ensure that the outing continues to have a positive impact on teamwork even after it’s over?
You can extend the impact of a company outing by intentionally incorporating preparatory and follow-up activities. Announce the outing internally with a clear objective, so participants know why they’re going and what’s expected of them. Afterward, you can maintain the momentum by sharing a brief recap, for example through a photo report or a joint action item formulated during the outing. An outing that is part of a broader team strategy has a demonstrably greater impact than a standalone event.
What is a realistic budget per person for a professional company outing at the beach?
A realistic budget for a day program that includes activities, catering, and venue use is typically between €75 and €175 per person, depending on the group size, the chosen program, and the catering level. For an evening program or staff party with a full dinner and entertainment, the costs are higher, often ranging from €100 to €250 per person. Always request a detailed quote so you can see exactly what’s included and where you might be able to save money without compromising the experience.
How can I involve employees in the planning process to ensure that the outing has broad support?
Support starts with a little input: a short survey with two or three options regarding the type of activity or the desired atmosphere is enough to make people feel like they’re part of the decision-making process. You don’t have to leave everything open to discussion—the final decision still rests with the organizer—but the sense of involvement increases people’s motivation to attend and participate. Afterward, clearly communicate what was chosen and why, so that expectations are aligned and attendance is as high as possible.
Related articles
- Hoe ga je om met no-shows bij een bedrijfsfeest waarvoor je al hebt betaald?
- Hoe maak je een bedrijfsfeest geschikt voor een multicultureel personeelsbestand?
- Wat is een bedrijfsfestival en wanneer is dat de juiste keuze?
- Wat zijn originele entertainment-ideeën voor een bedrijfsfeest aan het strand?
- How can you combine a meeting and team-building activities in a single day?