AMOA-NY's 2025 Gala: A Night of Music, Innovation, and Industry Leadership

The Amusement & Music Owners Association of New York (AMOA-NY) hosted its most successful Annual Gala to date at Club 101 in Manhattan, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 170 attendees and filling the ballroom to capacity. The prestigious event featured the presentation of the 2025 Jukebox Artist of the Year Award to iconic singer Maria Muldaur and recognized Scott Avery, President and COO of Apple Industries, Inc., as the 2025 Man of the Year.

Maria Muldaur, a five-time Grammy nominee, was celebrated for her contributions to music across various genres, including jazz, rhythm & blues, gospel, and country western. Her music continues to resonate with audiences through her recordings with esteemed labels such as Reprise Records, Warner Records, and Nola Blue Records.

During the event, Muldaur shared a nostalgic story about her earliest jukebox memory. She recalled encountering a "magical, colorful temple of music" at the age of five in 1947. Spending childhood summers at boarding houses in rural New York and New Jersey, she fondly remembered the jukebox as a central part of the entertainment. Growing up in Greenwich Village, Muldaur and her friends would often gather at local pizzerias, drawn in by the jukebox and the music it played.

Reflecting on the cultural significance of jukeboxes, Muldaur emphasized their role in bringing people together through shared musical experiences. She expressed her hope that jukeboxes would continue to be a part of American entertainment culture for many years to come.

Scott Avery, President and COO of Apple Industries, Inc., was honored as the 2025 Man of the Year for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the amusement industry. Under his guidance, Apple Industries has become a global leader in the photo booth sector, known for its innovative products and strategic partnerships with major brands such as Disney, Major League Baseball, Regal Cinemas, and Hasbro.

Avery's background includes key operational management roles at the United States CIA and Raytheon, as well as an MBA from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain Management and Marketing from the University of Maryland. His leadership has been instrumental in guiding Apple Industries to unprecedented heights, solidifying its position as a company that delivers cutting-edge, profitable products to operators while providing memorable experiences to millions of consumers each year. 

AMOA-NY President Ken Goldberg, marking his 18th year of leadership, addressed the crowd with a candid message on the challenges facing the amusement and music operator industry. He cited the explosive growth of online sports betting as a direct threat to their businesses, noting that half of all Americans between the ages of 18-49 have active online betting accounts. Goldberg highlighted the rapid rise of gambling addiction as a growing concern for the industry.

In response to these challenges, Goldberg emphasized the importance of unity and advocacy within the industry. He called on industry leaders to collaborate and support initiatives that protect and promote the interests of amusement and music operators. 

The gala featured a filet mignon and salmon buffet, providing attendees with an opportunity to network and celebrate the achievements of their peers. Sunrise Day Camp was the selected charity of choice with many generous guests donating to the cause. The event was a testament to the resilience and innovation of the amusement and music operator industry, highlighting the dedication and passion of those who continue to shape its future.