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NEWS
IAAPA recognition for Blackpool Pleasure Beach to mark century-old relationship
POSTED 07 Sep 2022 . BY Tom Walker
Blackpool Pleasure Beach joined IAAPA in 1923 Credit: IAAPA
Blackpool Pleasure Beach to be honoured at the IAAPA Expo Europe
The UK theme park joined the association in 1923
Doing so, Blackpool became the first member from outside of North America
During the Expo, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s current CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE, will be awarded with a 75+Year Member Ribbon
Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be honoured at the IAAPA Expo Europe, being held in London later this month.

The UK theme park joined the association in 1923 when founder, William G. Bean, attended an annual meeting and became the first member from outside of North America.

During the Expo, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s current CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE, will be awarded with a 75+Year Member Ribbon that will only be worn by Blackpool Pleasure Beach staff during the event.

The honour acknowledges the relationship between the two organisations as IAAPA Expo Europe returns to London for the first time since 2011.

Thompson said: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach and IAAPA have a long and illustrious history together.

"Not only did I serve as chair in 2020 and 2021, the first European woman to do so, but my father also held the same position.

“Our shared history goes right back to my great-grandfather, WG Bean, who spoke at an early IAAPA meeting almost 100 years ago. I look forward to continuing this relationship and working with IAAPA for many more years.”

IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 takes place at ExCeL London from 12 to 15 September, and features an educational seminar programme as well as a large exhibition and networking opportunities.
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NEWS
IAAPA recognition for Blackpool Pleasure Beach to mark century-old relationship
POSTED 07 Sep 2022 . BY Tom Walker
Blackpool Pleasure Beach joined IAAPA in 1923 Credit: IAAPA
Blackpool Pleasure Beach to be honoured at the IAAPA Expo Europe
The UK theme park joined the association in 1923
Doing so, Blackpool became the first member from outside of North America
During the Expo, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s current CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE, will be awarded with a 75+Year Member Ribbon
Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be honoured at the IAAPA Expo Europe, being held in London later this month.

The UK theme park joined the association in 1923 when founder, William G. Bean, attended an annual meeting and became the first member from outside of North America.

During the Expo, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s current CEO, Amanda Thompson OBE, will be awarded with a 75+Year Member Ribbon that will only be worn by Blackpool Pleasure Beach staff during the event.

The honour acknowledges the relationship between the two organisations as IAAPA Expo Europe returns to London for the first time since 2011.

Thompson said: “Blackpool Pleasure Beach and IAAPA have a long and illustrious history together.

"Not only did I serve as chair in 2020 and 2021, the first European woman to do so, but my father also held the same position.

“Our shared history goes right back to my great-grandfather, WG Bean, who spoke at an early IAAPA meeting almost 100 years ago. I look forward to continuing this relationship and working with IAAPA for many more years.”

IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 takes place at ExCeL London from 12 to 15 September, and features an educational seminar programme as well as a large exhibition and networking opportunities.
RELATED STORIES
FEATURE: People: Nicolas de Villiers


The head of Puy du Fou on taking on America
FEATURE: People: Jakob Wahl


IAAPA’s new executive VP and COO shares his plans
New IAAPA chair Amanda Thompson targets progress on safety and sustainability


The development of a global safety standard for the attractions industry is high on the wish list of incoming IAAPA chair Amanda Thompson, whose tenure begins today (Tuesday 19 November).
FEATURE: Profile: Amanda Thompson


IAAPA’s new chair for 2020 map out plans for the century ahead
MORE NEWS
OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming.
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
A US$50 million (£44.2 million, €51.2 million) transformation of Chicago's historic McCormick Mansion has created a new destination that combines live magic, immersive theatre, dining and private membership under one roof.
Montana Heritage Center opens with immersive exhibits and US$107 million investment
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the sta
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas.
San Antonio Zoo reports $283 million economic impact as expansion plans progress
San Antonio Zoo has reported a US$283 million economic impact for 2025, following a decade- long transformation programme that has seen almost US$200 million invested into the Texas attraction.
Great Barrier Reef attraction set for AU$180 million reinvention
Plans for the AU$180 million redevelopment of Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia, are progressing, with the project set to transform the attraction into a global centre for reef education and conservation.
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COMPANY PROFILES
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing B.V.

Vekoma Rides has a large variety of coasters and attractions. [more...]
TechnoAlpin Indoor

TechnoAlpin is the world leader for snowmaking systems. With the Indoor snow division, TechnoAlpin c [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

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