South Florida - The Business Journal
by Lory Reyes

Off the links and on the computer

Creating a one-stop shop for the meeting planner, association planner and executive was Eddie Smith's goal when he established GolfPodium.com, an online speakers' bureau featuring well-known golfers.

GolfPodium.com is a division of Jupiter-based Infinity Sports Marketing, a golf-focused marketing and management firm. It represents golf celebrities such as Brian Barnes, Senior PGA Tour and CNBC golf commentator, and Christy O'Connor Jr., Senior PGA Tour and golf course designer.

Smith has been in the business of golf since 1986, beginning with the PGA Tour and including a stint with Jack Nicklaus' company, Golden Bear Internation.

"You're successful in business because of your relationships," Smith Said.

So he consolidated the contacts from his years as an agent for professional golfers and created GolfPodium.com about a half year ago.

"It seemed obvious to leverage relationships so everybody can benefit," he said.

There are 30,000 meeting planners in the United States and many meetings have some sort of golf component, he said. So Smith assembled a stable of talent and GolfPodium.com began offering golf celebrities for appearances and speaking engagements.

Then a regular client from Canada asked for tournament tickets and the request led to the development of additional revenue streams, such as golf travel packages.

Now offering tee times, registration for the Jim Flick Premier Golf School, global golf packages and a pro shop with books, collectibles, art, traingin aids and accessories, GolfPodium.com is having its first birthday and is "fairly successful," Smith said.

Smith is involved in an Internet marketing strategy to create awareness because, he said, companies that put hospitality spending on hold after Sept. 11 have begun to spend again.

Smith also has an eye on the future. When his wife, Jackie Gallagher-Smith, retires from the LPGA Tour, GolfPodium.com offers them a good opportunity to work together.

And, to target non-golfers in South Florida, Infinity Sports Marketing will soon launch SpeakersPodium.com and SportsPodium.com.