who we are

We are small by design, so we can stay close to the work, the details, and the people we serve. With decades of experience and a shared love of storytelling, Matt, Sarah, and the ESP Presents team bring a thoughtful, hands-on approach to every event.

how we work makes us unique

We are small by design

We are small by design

We are small by design

As a boutique firm, we’re your carefully curated, hands-on team, with you from day one until event day. We’re high-touch with high standards, making sure the job is done right every time.

As a boutique firm, we’re your carefully curated, hands-on team, with you from day one until event day. We’re high-touch with high standards, making sure the job is done right every time.

We do the heavy lifting

We do the heavy lifting

We take care of the many details required to bring your project to life while making the process seamless and manageable for you. We like to say that we do our job so you can do yours.

We take care of the many details required to bring your project to life while making the process seamless and manageable for you. We like to say that we do our job so you can do yours.

We are trusted industry partners

We are trusted industry partners

We are trusted industry partners

We have a command of the industry that is hard to match, with the best vendor, venue, and talent relationships a phone call away. We view our vendors as partners, and value collaboration to achieve a shared goal. Together, we accomplish something bigger than any one of us could do alone.

We have a command of the industry that is hard to match, with the best vendor, venue, and talent relationships a phone call away. We view our vendors as partners, and value collaboration to achieve a shared goal. Together, we accomplish something bigger than any one of us could do alone.

We work with who we believe in

We work with who we believe in

Our clients are organizations that stand for something that we believe in too. They inspire how we want to live and how we envision strengthening our community and bettering our world.

Our clients are organizations that stand for something that we believe in too. They inspire how we want to live and how we envision strengthening our community and bettering our world.

our story

Rooted in a shared passion for storytelling, experiences, and hospitality, Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom came together in 2011 as a dynamic power couple. Launching ESP Presents in 2014, Matt and Sarah have applied their decades of experience in event planning, live production, marketing strategy, and execution to hundreds of nonprofits, corporations, and lifestyle brands. Known as trusted ambassadors of their clients’ visions, they help advance clients’ missions and goals by executing meaningful, experiential events.


Beyond ESP Presents, Matt and Sarah have had success in other entrepreneurial ventures. As owner and Co-Founder of Chop Shop Chicago, Matt brought his dream of a multi-purpose, live event venue to life in 2013; combining a butcher shop, bar, restaurant, and music venue under one roof, in a 15,000 sqft, century-old building. Together, they later transformed a 1960’s hat millinery into a luxury, boutique event venue, with coworking and creative office space, dubbed Exchange312.


As a husband and wife team, Matt and Sarah bring an entrepreneurial spirit and immense love for their craft to every project they work on.

our story

Rooted in a shared passion for storytelling, experiences, and hospitality, Matt Woodburn and Sarah Neukom came together in 2011 as a dynamic power couple. Launching ESP Presents in 2014, Matt and Sarah have applied their decades of experience in event planning, live production, marketing strategy, and execution to hundreds of nonprofits, corporations, and lifestyle brands. Known as trusted ambassadors of their clients’ visions, they help advance clients’ missions and goals by executing meaningful, experiential events.


Beyond ESP Presents, Matt and Sarah have had success in other entrepreneurial ventures. As owner and Co-Founder of Chop Shop Chicago, Matt brought his dream of a multi-purpose, live event venue to life in 2013; combining a butcher shop, bar, restaurant, and music venue under one roof, in a 15,000 sqft, century-old building. Together, they later transformed a 1960’s hat millinery into a luxury, boutique event venue, with coworking and creative office space, dubbed Exchange312.


As a husband and wife team, Matt and Sarah bring an entrepreneurial spirit and immense love for their craft to every project they work on.

Meet The Team

Sarah Neukom

Co-Founder and CEO

Sarah has always been driven to build, lead, and push boundaries. She began her career at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, leading fundraising strategy and branded events, before joining Red Frog Events where she produced high-intensity international adventure races. Both experiences shaped her into a fearless, solutions-oriented leader with a reputation for executing ambitious and complex programs. Over a decade ago, Sarah co-founded ESP Presents with her now husband, Matt. As CEO, she has grown the company into a force in experiential production that is known for delivering bold ideas with precision and purpose. She leads with a clear philosophy: “impossible” isn’t a constraint, it’s a challenge. Today, Sarah focuses on expanding ESP Present’s reach while bringing together forward-thinking clients, collaborators, and partners to create experiences that inspire and endure.

Matt Woodburn

Co-Founder and CSO

Matt is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder, and experience architect known for creating immersive environments where culture, commerce, and community intersect. Operating at the intersection of creativity and hospitality, he has spent nearly 30 years launching brands, transforming spaces, and building platforms that bring people together. His work spans collaborations with Fortune 500 brands, cultural institutions, and civic initiatives, earning industry recognition while contributing to some of Chicago’s most notable experiential and cultural programs. From experiential agencies to live venues and cultural programming, his work turns ideas into environments and experiences people remember.

Kate Lopez

Vice President

Kate has spent her career working on partnership marketing events from experiential activations to VIP hospitality at major sporting events, and nationwide mobile tours to multi-day large brand engagements. Her leadership style is rooted in teamwork and the belief that we win, and lose, as a team. She is passionate about creating high-impact experiences and learning something new along the way. Kate has an MBA, Master of Sports Administration and a degree in mathematics.

Meredith DuBoff

Director of Communications & Operations

With an MBA from Georgetown University and over 20 years experience working on social impact projects, Meredith brings refined project management and communications skills to every engagement, and a commitment to tying back to the cause. Meredith first worked with ESP Presents on the client side in 2014, and since then, has gained a command of the event industry by working with the best in the business as a member of the ESP Presents team. Putting her commitment to high productivity and efficiency to use, Meredith now serves in the role of Director of Operations.

Stephanie Fields

Executive Producer

Stephanie Fields holds a Master's degree from Indiana University and brings over 25 years of expertise in event planning and production. With a passion for what she does, Stephanie seamlessly integrates into any client team as a dedicated team player, providing exceptional project management, meticulous attention to detail, and creative solutions. Known for fostering strong vendor relationships and delivering outstanding customer service, she is committed to aligning with client goals and the vision of each event. Her calm confidence on event day ensures everything runs smoothly, creating elevated guest experiences that leave a lasting impression and exceed expectations.

carey smith

Executive Producer

Carey Smith is a Senior Executive Producer with over 15 years of experience leading large-scale events, brand activations, and nonprofit productions. Known for delivering seamless, high-impact experiences—from multi-stage festivals and summits to mission-driven galas—Carey brings creative vision and operational precision to every project.

Tara Allison

Executive Producer

Tara is passionate about producing events that unite people to create community around shared interests and experiences. Trained as a community organizer with a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Business, Tara can see the big picture and the pieces, people, and processes it takes to put it together. From conferences to festivals, to sports and special events, she's never met an event she didn't like (or at least want to try producing)!

Kristen Kaza

Executive Producer

With a background in community engagement and event programming, Kristen brings 20 years of experience building spaces of belonging and joy in Chicago. Kristen has been at the helm of numerous Chicago events from Millennium Park to the MCA to Navy Pier, and is passionate about shining a light on local artists and small businesses. As an Executive Producer at ESP Presents, Kristen works closely with clients to bring their visions to life and support them every step of the process.

Carlos Castillo

Event Producer

Carlos Castillo has a varied background in experiential marketing, project management, non-profit communications, fundraising, and sponsorship operations—both working with nonprofits and at event production agencies. As an Event Producer, he plays a key role in planning and executing events and activations for clients. He is a graduate of Benedictine University, where he studied Business Administration in Marketing.

Kristen O'Brien

Event Coordinator

Kristen O’Brien is an experienced hospitality and events professional with over 10 years in event planning, production, client services, and venue management. She is passionate about creating meaningful, well-executed experiences that bring people together and reflect authentic stories. Known for her creative spirit and detailed approach, Kristen thrives in spaces where design, community, and collaboration intersect.

Naomi Galindo

Event Coordinator

Naomi Galindo, a recent graduate from DePaul University, officially joined the ESP Presents team in January 2025 as an Event Coordinator. She has a background in hospitality and events. Naomi focuses on project management, guest/sponsor management, and logistics coordination.

Mia Robbins

Executive Assistant

Mia Robbins is a recent graduate of the University of Oklahoma with experience in fine arts and administrative support. She brings strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and a creative perspective to her new role as an Executive Assistant.

what our clients say

I’ve worked with Sarah, Matt & the ESP Presents team since the beginning, and I couldn’t be happier with them or their company. They are a trusted partner for many reasons, but what truly sets them apart is their ability to pivot, brainstorm, and create with ease. Their creativity and adaptability make them an invaluable asset to any project or company. Knowing a partner has your best interest at heart rather than their own is not something you can buy!

Cassie Mancuso Carver

Chief Marketing Officer

Ferrari Lake Forest

ESP Presents has been a valued partner of the Illinois Housing Council for several years, playing a crucial role in the successful execution of our annual statewide conference, the Illinois Affordable Housing Forum. The ESP team is truly exceptional—ensuring every aspect of the event runs seamlessly, from budget management and venue coordination to flawless day-of execution. Their expertise and dedication have made them an indispensable part of our event team.

Allison Clements

Executive Director

Illinois Housing Council

It’s always a pleasure to shoot an ESP event. It's the difference between fast food and fine dining!! It's much easier to shoot an event when you're not worried the wheels are going to fall off. Thanks for letting me be part of the team and taking care of me as well as you take care of the guests.

David Kindler

Photographer

DTKindler Photography

ESP Presents has been an invaluable partner to LISC, especially in producing the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards. Their creativity, professionalism, and deep understanding of our mission help turn complex events into powerful experiences that celebrate community leadership and impact. At CNDA, ESP consistently transforms our vision into a powerful, polished, and deeply moving event—honoring community leaders, inspiring audiences, and elevating the stories that matter most. We’re grateful for their ongoing partnership.

Meghan Harte

Senior Executive Director

LISC