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.
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 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 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 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
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 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.
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 neukom
Co-Founder and CEO

sarah neukom
Co-Founder and CEO

sarah neukom
Co-Founder and CEO

matt woodburn
Co-Founder

matt woodburn
Co-Founder

matt woodburn
Co-Founder

matt woodburn
Co-Founder

meredith duboff
Director of Operations

meredith duboff
Director of Operations

meredith duboff
Director of Operations

meredith duboff
Director of Operations

stephanie fields
Executive Producer

stephanie fields
Executive Producer

stephanie fields
Executive Producer

stephanie fields
Executive Producer

carey smith
Executive Producer

carey smith
Executive Producer

carey smith
Executive Producer

carey smith
Executive Producer

tara allison
Executive Producer

tara allison
Executive Producer

tara allison
Executive Producer

tara allison
Executive Producer

carlos Castillo
Event Producer

carlos Castillo
Event Producer

carlos Castillo
Event Producer

carlos Castillo
Event Producer

naomi galindo
Event Coordinator

naomi galindo
Event Coordinator

naomi galindo
Event Coordinator

naomi galindo
Event Coordinator
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
