Global Attractions Body Recognises Membership Milestone for Blackpool Pleasure Beach at Huge Theme Park Event

Theme park giant Blackpool Pleasure Beach is set to be honoured at one of the world’s biggest events for the leisure and attractions industry in London next month.

The much-loved amusement park will be recognised by IAAPA as part of its Expo Europe, as the global organisation recognises its near century-old relationship. Blackpool Pleasure Beach joined the association in 1923 when Founder William G. Bean attended an annual meeting and became the first member from outside North America.

At this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe taking place at ExCeL London next month, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s 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. This honour acknowledges the relationship between the two organisations as the show returns to London for the first time since 2011.

Opening in 1896 Blackpool Pleasure Beach is steeped in history and has been setting the standard for the global attractions industry ever since, celebrating its 125-year anniversary in 2021.

Thousands of UK and international leisure industry professionals are set to gather in London next month for the annual IAAPA Expo Europe. The event is the flagship European trade show of The Global Association for the Attractions Industry, shining the spotlight firmly on the recovering tourism industry in this special Jubilee year for the UK and putting London at the heart of Europe’s leisure industry in 2022.

Amanda Thompson OBE, Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s CEO said: “I’m delighted that Blackpool Pleasure Beach is to receive this prestigious accolade. Blackpool Pleasure Beach and IAAPA have a long and illustrious history together. Not only did I serve as Chairman 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.”

Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA said: “It’s impressive we get to celebrate Blackpool Pleasure Beach as they near 100 years of membership with IAAPA, an association that only celebrated its 100th anniversary a few years ago. Honouring the attraction’s staff at IAAPA Expo Europe is only made sweeter with the fact we’ll do it on our stage in London, just a few hours away from their top-tier destination.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to the world’s first ever Ghost Train, the UK’s first and only double launch rollercoaster, ICON, and is perhaps best known for the legendary Big One which was the world’s tallest and faster rollercoaster when it first opened. The park is a beloved part of the UK’s history, welcoming hundreds of millions of thrill-seekers since its opening and helping to create precious memories and experiences for visitors from across the world.

The park and its leadership have been a key member and supporter of IAAPA. Most recently, Thompson served as the 2021 IAAPA Chairman of the Board of Directors, and she currently sits on a variety of committees to foster the growth and development of best practices throughout the industry.

Returning to London for the first time since 2011, IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 takes place at ExCeL London, and features a jam-packed programme full of the latest technology from across the globe. Guests can network with colleagues, explore the latest developments in the industry, discover new products and services, and expand their knowledge with the help and support of industry experts. It also includes a four-day education conference with leading industry professionals giving unique insights on sustainability, guest experience, technology, and safety.