Press Release

AMOA-New York Honors Britannie Betti, Melissa Manchester at 2026 Annual Gala

Industry leaders gather in Manhattan as Betson executive and Grammy-winning artist headline sold-out event

April 27, 2026

NEW YORK CITY—April 20, 2026 — The Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York (AMOA-NY) drew a capacity crowd on April 20 at Benjamin Steakhouse in midtown Manhattan for its 2026 Annual Gala, honoring Britannie Betti as “Woman of the Year” and Melissa Manchester as “Jukebox Artist of the Year.”

Guests from across the amusement, music and vending industries filled the venue as Manchester, a Grammy Award winner and Oscar-nominated songwriter with 25 Billboard Hot 100 hits and more than 30 albums, accepted her award. Her music played throughout the evening on an AMI Entertainment Curve jukebox.

Reflecting on her connection to jukebox culture, Manchester recalled childhood trips through New Jersey and stops at diners where selections by Elvis Presley, The Beatles and Frank Sinatra filled the room. She credited jukeboxes with helping bring music into everyday life and thanked industry leaders, including AMI Entertainment and TouchTunes, for continuing that tradition.

Later in the program, AMOA-NY president Ken Goldberg of Bar Partners introduced Betti, business development manager and East Coast regional sales director for Betson Enterprises. He described her as a next-generation leader whose influence extends across national industry groups.

Accepting the honor, Betti emphasized the collective nature of her success, thanking her family and colleagues, including Betson CEO Bob Geschine and executives Kevin Fritz and Bob Dipipi. “This industry has become family,” she said. “We celebrate together, we support each other and we push each other to be better.”

Following Monday evening’s main award announcements, a surprise presentation of the Pace-O-Matic Integrity Award was made by chairman Michael Pace to AMOA-NY executive director Danny Frank, recognizing his longstanding service to the trade organization.

PRESIDENT’S REMARKS

In remarks during the evening, Goldberg addressed ongoing industry challenges, including the rapid growth of legalized online sports betting and unresolved music licensing issues. He called on national organizations, including AMOA and AAMA, to take a more active role in advocacy and reform efforts affecting operators.

Goldberg observed that the industry is facing mounting pressure from outside forces that can no longer be ignored. “Last year, I warned about the accelerating crisis of legalized online sports betting. I called it a dangerous force — and the numbers now prove it. We’re talking about roughly $150 billion in activity, affecting millions of Americans, especially those between 18 and 49.”

He added that the situation has only intensified and requires immediate action. “In 2026, this issue has only deepened,” he said. “We see it every day — people glued to their phones, placing bets constantly. AMOA-National must act with urgency. Sitting on the sidelines while our industry erodes to the gambling dollar is not a strategy — it’s a surrender.”

A souvenir video journal from the event is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

About AMOA-New York
The Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York, Inc. is a business league representing operators and stakeholders in the coin-operated amusement and music entertainment industry. Based in New York City, AMOA-New York provides information, advocacy and support to its members, and works to advance the interests of local amusement businesses through networking, industry engagement and public affairs efforts. The association’s mission includes fostering growth and addressing regulatory and competitive challenges affecting the amusement sector.