What tools and techniques are required to bend wood?
That is a very expensive podium, probably has a cost in the 20K range.  You can do laminated wood and then cut into the curve (very expensive as it takes a large amount of high quality wood) or you can try some cheaper options using plywood.

If you only need to do a slight curve, thin plywood has a lot of flex in it.  Just nail/screw it onto a frame.  If you need a tighter curve than what the plywood will allow there are a couple of options.  If only one face will show, you can in essence thin the plywood further by using kerfs.  Look up a guide on google and find one you are comfortable with.  Another option is using steam to soften the glue in the plywood which then will allow a tighter bend.