Board of Directors

  • Rich Johnson, Nth Degree
  • Robert Laarhoven
  • Sandra Braun, Nth Degree
  • Jim Oberneyer, Bray Leino Events
  • Mike Boone, Coastal International
  • Justin Smith
  • Reid Sherwood, Eagle Management
  • Dave Flory
  • Jim Wurm, EACA
  • Les Bunge, Laser Exhibitor Service, Inc
  • Ben Lewis, Exhibitus
  • Jack Berenato, Nth Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Randy Smith?

Randy Smith was a project manager for an Atlanta based exhibit house, IDEAS, inc. He died tragically in an automobile accident  on his way home after working long hours at the Super Show in January of 1995. Randy left behind a wife Jenny, and two small children, Austin and Justin.

Two of Randy’s co workers at IDEAS, Ted Peterson and Rich Johnson, started the RSMGC in August of 1995 in hopes of helping the emotional and financial burden Randy’s death caused his family.

When was the RSMGC started?

The first event was held at Hidden Hills Country Club in Stone Mountain, GA in August, 1995.   The event was held at Hidden Hills the first four years (95 – 98) followed by Berkeley Hills Country Club in Duluth, GA in ’99, ’00, ’02, ’03, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’09 and ’10. St. Ives Country Club in Johns Creek, GA hosted the 2011 event, and in 2012 co-hosted with The Standard Club, also located in Johns Creek, GA. Chateau Elan in Braselton, GA hosted the ’01, ’04 and ’08 events and will be the home of the RSMGC in 2013.

The first two years the event focused solely on providing support for the Smith family. In 1997 the decision was made to open up the event to other families who had suffered a similar tragedy or faced true hardship. The first additional recipient was Nicole Sheldon, daughter of long time shipping industry veteran Chris Sheldon in Wheaton, IL. Nicole was 8 years old at the time and had recently undergone a heart and liver transplant. She was said to be the “sickest child ever to leave a Chicago land hospital alive” Since its inception in 1995, the Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classics and it’s officially sanctioned ancillary events have assisted over 70 families with financial and emotional support. A full list of these previous recipients can be found on this website.

Who participates and how can I donate?

Everyone is welcome! The RSMGC blankets all segments of the exhibition industry from exhibitors to show managers to general contractors all down the trade show supply chain. One of the many things the  founders and the governing board are most proud of is how they’ve been able to bring everyone together for this day of fellowship and good will. Many competing companies in their respective fields have known the Randy as the day they “lay down their swords” for the good of the overall cause. Participation can come in many ways from the choice of golf or tennis or the various sponsorship opportunities. We also always are in need of any raffle items or prizes from companies respective marketing closets’. All of these opportunities to participate (and more!) can be found on this website.

Who chooses the annual recipients and how can I nominate someone?

The RSMGC Board of Directors review and decide on who will become the beneficiaries of the events funds.

If you would like to apply for assistance, or if you know of anyone who could use our assistance,  you can download the RSMGC Assistance Application.  Or, if you have any questions you can  contact Jim Wurm, the Executive Director of presenting sponsor EACA,  at [email protected], or by telephone at 541-317-8768.  

In our history we have accepted over 95% of officially received assistance requests. 

To date we have provided assistance to more than $1million in assistance to more than 150 trade show families.