IAAPA Inducts Industry Leaders Into Hall of Fame

By | November 16, 2011

On Tuesday, November 15, John P.C. Collins became the newest living inductee to the IAAPA Hall of Fame at the IAAPA Attractions Expo being held in Orlando, Fla. Collins is an internationally respected icon with 30 years of experience. Having developed Barry Island Pleasure Park in Wales with his brother. Collins eventually joined the Tussauds Group in a senior role to assist in the development of a number of visitor attractions, including Port Aventura and Chessington World of Adventures. His expertise and knowledge put his efforts at the forefront of attraction development across Europe. Collins became instrumental in the creation of Health & Safety Groups in Britain.

Fredrick W. Pearce had an incredible influence on the amusement parks and attractions industry for more than 50 years in the business. He erected 27 roller coasters and pioneered the use of pressure-treated creosoted lumber for coasters to protect them from decay over time. This advancement reduced maintenance costs for parks in the industry.

Legendary Entertainers Wally Boag and Better Taylor performed for 31 years for the Disneyland Resort. Together Wally Boag and Betty Taylor appeared in more than 40,000 performances. The pair set professional standards for theatrical professionalism that continues to inspire the industry.

Tim O’Brien, outgoing chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Committee, says, “IAAPA is both happy and honored to induct John Collins; Frederick Pearce; and Wally Boag and Betty Taylor into the Hall of Fame for their amazing leadership, vision, and talent.”