PROFILE
AMANDA THOMPSON From celebrating its centenary to launching its new global headquarters, 2019 has been a big year for IAAPA. Tom Anstey speaks to Amanda Thompson, the organisation’s new chair for 2020, as IAAPA’s leadership team maps out its plans for the century ahead
Amanda Thompson has been managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach since 2004
AMANDA THOMPSON / INCOMING IAAPA CHAIR
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manda Thompson is only the third female to chair IAAPA in its history. The managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK since 2004, Amanda has set her sights on the year ahead as IAAPA continues to evolve and grow under new leadership. What’s your background? I first worked in the amusement park industry at the age of seven. I was desperately in love with the thought of owning a pony, so I was put to work on our pony ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach so I could learn to look after one. After that my life in the amusement park industry stopped and I became a guest for the next few years.
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When I was 14 or 15, I spent a summer holiday handing out certificates on the Revolution and my love for the industry began again. Next I worked in Blackpool and in the US within the entertainment sector and when I was 20 years old, I began a new company, Stageworks Worldwide Productions, which took shows out into the world of amusement parks, theatre and television. I worked in Myrtle Beach producing shows at our park, Magic Harbour, then I worked for 13 years at Europa Park producing their ice show, followed by work at Liseberg, Siam Park, Boudewijn Park, Efteling and many many parks in Europe and of course Blackpool Pleasure Beach. I worked all over the UK taking shows to theatres and I worked for IAAPA on
the What’s New Theatre and the closing events. I’ve also done television work for the Royal Variety Performance and all types of shows all over the world. Do you have any key goals for your year as IAAPA chair? To unite the amusement park world with safety, security and sustainability. You will become only the third woman to chair IAAPA in its 100-year history, how important is that? It’s particularly important because I’m the first European woman and it’s been a while since a woman has chaired the association. Hopefully I can encourage more women to step up to the plate and take on the role of chair. AM 4 2019 ©Cybertrek 2019