Judith
Judith Fox-Goldstein
Administrative Director
Judith Fox-Goldstein, Administrative Director
Recognized as one of Hawaii’s “Top Ten Business Women” in 2009 by Pacific Business News, Judith started the University of Hawai`i at Hilo prestigious Conference Center in 1990. Judith’s extensive experience in the fields of higher educational administration, the visitor industry and public relations, contributed to her vision for creating the internationally acclaimed UH Hilo Conference Center, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2009!
One of the first few professionals in Hawai`i to attain certification by the International Festival of Events Association as a CFEE (Certified Festival and Events Executive); Judith received her professional certification in 2009, adding another credential to a very illustrious career in the field of event management.
Distinguished by the International Association of Collegiate Conference Directors (ACCED-I), and recognized for the Center’s organizational management and institutional excellence, the UH Hilo Conference Center has an extraordinarily talented team whom Judith refers to as “logisticians.” “It’s all in the details,” Judith says, and the creative team is positioned to support all components of conference management from on-line registration to e-mail marketing and the creation of extraordinary theme-based events that are integrated into the scope of conference management.
THE CHALLENGE OF MEETING PLANNING
According to Judith, it’s the intellectual challenge that she finds so stimulating. “You definitely have to be at your best game to commit yourself to this field. It’s like building a house of dominoes and it you let one piece fall out of place, the entire structure can come tumbling down. So, what does this mean for the profession? It means that only the best and brightest are drawn to this discipline. One must have an extraordinary penchant for details, enjoy figuring out complicated strategies, be able to work with dignitaries and volunteers affording them equal service and respect and, above all, a compelling dedication to being a perfectionist because that’s what it takes! In Hawai`i, one must never forget that ALOHA and service are also priorities!
FIRST TIME VISITORS!
Many of our delegates are first time visitors to Hawai`i. Judith remarked that she’s heard delegates say that “When I say the word Hawai`i, it sounds just like a wish”… and they certainly are counting on us to bring that wish and that dream to reality. That’s a very big responsibility, so, we need to work really hard to make certain that their meeting/conference or special event is 100% successful. I’m very proud to say, that because of our professional team, ALL of our events have achieved that goal!”
EMBRACING DIVERSITY
Recognized as the “Minority Advocate” for Hawai’i Island, and a past Athena winner, (Business Woman of the Year) Judith has used her multiple degrees, skills and passion to showcase both the University of Hawai`i at Hilo and the grandeur of the Big Island. “There is no better place on earth for meetings, special events or conferences. With our strategic location between the East and the West, we are perfectly situated to attract attendees from all over the world. With our multi-cultural environment, diverse environment, incredible eco-system and a plethora of scientific wonders…it’s no wonder we attract so many enthusiastic scientists, researchers and students to our Island.
One of the benefits of this challenging field is that you “become an intellectual dilettante. If you’re open to learning, your mind becomes like a sponge and you can learn and absorb the most esoteric information from astronomy, to physics, chemistry, agriculture, robotics, international diplomacy, philosophy and list goes on. “How very fortunate we are to be perpetual students. There is no better journey than education! I am privileged to work in this field and to lead, and work beside so many extraordinary professionals. I am truly blessed!
