AbleMaxx Ltd

15/10/2026

13/10/2026

Take a trip to Ireland without leaving the office. Tomorrow (Wednesday 14 October) at 4pm, join Nicola and Tamara McElroy, Assistant Director of Sales at The Johnstown Estate Dublin, for a training webinar on one of Ireland’s standout venues for large residential conferences.

Set in 120 acres of parkland, just 36 minutes from Dublin city and airport, the 1750s estate brings together Georgian heritage, award-winning dining and a pharma compliant offer. Tamara will share the latest on The Forde Suites, home to an 890 square metre Grand Ballroom for up to 1,000 delegates theatre style, along with plans for a 90 bedroom extension and new restaurant in 2027.

It’s a 30 minute presentation followed by 15 minutes for your questions, so bring your briefs.

There’s still time to save your place - DM for the link

The Johnstown Estate

08/10/2026

We’ve long supported micebook for the way they keep innovating, and the second edition of micebook X last weekend was no exception.

Itineraries were revealed the night before, experiences were designed to nudge everyone out of their comfort zones and the region itself turned out to be a wonderful discovery. Nicola even found herself on horseback, which we’re counting as a strong commitment to the forum.

This year’s theme of movement also felt particularly fitting. It was about getting out and exploring the destination, and also about being open to new experiences, different perspectives and trying something new.

This concept is at the heart of what we do at AbleMaxx too.

Representing destinations, hotels and venues around the world, we help planners move outside the familiar and discover somewhere new for their next meeting, incentive or event.

In an industry that’s always evolving, we think we could all benefit from doing that a little more often.

micebook

08/10/2026

The future of river cruising for corporate events is here.

Transcend Cruises has been built for meetings, incentives, conferences, trade shows and small conventions.

Its vessels come with fully equipped event spaces, onboard technology and a dedicated support team. The oversized staterooms convert into two-room suites, giving you the flexibility to host anywhere from 30 to 120 guests per vessel.

Every voyage is exclusively chartered, so every detail is bespoke to your group.

That covers the journey, the itinerary, the menus, the stops along the way and every onboard touchpoint.

Follow a classic route like the Christmas Markets or the Netherlands in tulip season, or uncover hidden gems in under-touristed destinations.

Add tandem cruising for larger groups, extend your stay with a hotel package or keep it simple with a leisurely roundtrip.

You decide how many activities to include and whether to run them yourselves or with the Transcend team.

No two trips are ever the same.

Imagine the possibilities, then talk to us about making them happen.

05/10/2026

We were so proud to see Nicola Alexander on stage at CHS | Manchester last week, alongside her Fast Forward 15® mentee Tamsin Grainger from Strata.

FF15 hosted a panel session and fireside chat at the show, where mentors and mentees shared why they joined the programme, what they expected from it and how it’s going so far. Tamsin was a natural, and so passionate when it came to sharing her perspective on all things FF15.

Working in our industry is not just about the day to day promotion for our clients, we also know it’s so important to give back and foster the next generation of talent. That’s why Nicola is mentoring with FF15 this year, with Destination Toronto also on board as a destination partner.

30/09/2026

Eight weeks in, and Transcend Cruises is already making waves. Since launching at the end of July, its maiden ship MS Connect has become a familiar sight on the Danube.

Want to see what all the buzz is about?

A few places are still up for grabs on our next AbleMaxx Webinar, where Transcend Cruises takes centre stage.

📅 Thursday 8 October, 4pm
👉 Save your spot by dropping us a DM

Come and find out why a fully chartered river cruise could be the most memorable meeting or incentive you plan next year.

Transcend Cruises

30/09/2026

Collaboration is key.

Last night in Leeds, Nicola Smith, Chris Bason, Nicola Alexander and Sarah Borges de Sousa came together to host buyers at Tattu, sharing updates from across our portfolio, from our Niche venues and Global DMC Partners to Destination Toronto and Destination DC.

It made for a truly meaningful evening with clients and friends from Leeds and the surrounding area, with conversations that went well beyond the usual catch-up.

Having fun whilst doing the job makes it all the more worthwhile, and when everyone is enjoying the room, the relationships take care of themselves.

Thank you to everyone who joined us.

Until next time, Leeds.

Global DMC Partners Destination DC Destination Toronto

24/09/2026

As Autumnn draws near here in the UK and the garden furniture heads back into storage, the al fresco season is far from over on the Costa del Sol.

With more than 320 days of sunshine a year, Don Carlos Marbella makes open-air celebrations possible well beyond the British summer.

More than 20,000 m² of tropical gardens surround the hotel and connect it to the sea: palm trees, magnolias, bougainvillea and jasmine, shaded corners and quiet benches, and at the centre of it all a lake with a waterfall that’s home to fish, tortoises, frogs and birds.

It’s a setting made for occasions of every kind.

Cocktails among palm trees. Dinners under the stars. Private events that continue well into the evening, as the light turns golden through the canopy and the night jasmine comes forward.

If you’re planning an autumn incentive, a winter escape or an early spring event and aren’t ready to leave the outdoors behind, we’d love to talk about what the gardens at Don Carlos could bring to your group.

Get in touch to find out more.

Don Carlos Marbella

18/09/2026

The countdown is on... we’re looking forward to the M&IT Awards tonight!

Will we see you there?

A special good luck to our own Global DMC Partners, nominated for Best Representation Company, and of course good luck to all the other nominees and finalists across the board.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you all on the dance floor at one of our favourite events of the year.

M&IT Magazine Global DMC Partners

18/09/2026

Ireland has recently been named Europe’s rising foodie destination, and there’s never been a better time to put food at the heart of the delegate experience.

At The Johnstown Estate, local Irish produce sits at the heart of every dining experience on offer, from the dry-aged Irish beef and chargrilled cuts at signature restaurant Fire & Salt, to the seasonal dishes served up at The Coach House Brasserie, to the afternoon teas crafted by the estate’s own pastry chef.

Parterre Garden Bar, the estate’s award-winning outdoor cocktail bar and terrace, brings botanically inspired drinks and Mediterranean-style small plates to the mix, and there’s more to come, with a new 180-seater Italian restaurant set to launch in September 2027.

And if food is an important way for your delegates to experience their host destination, what better option than to venture into Dublin?

Just a 35-minute transfer from the estate, a Dublin City food tour is a brilliant way to experience the capital from a different angle, and one we’d recommend to anyone planning a visit.

For more information about planning your meetings and events in Ireland with The Johnstown Estate as your host hotel, reach out to us at [email protected]

EventProfs