Meet the Team

Carey Smolensky is a dynamic Event Producer, Entertainer, Open Format DJ / MC, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Recording Artist, and Author of "Living Life with PASSION and Helping Others". Celebrating over 40 years in business, Carey founded Mobile Music in 1978, the first of many divisions in the CSP Worldwide family of companies. A graduate of Loyola University, Chicago with a B.S. in Biology, and trained at Chicago's highly acclaimed Second City. Carey is listed in WHO's WHO WORLDWIDE, served as President of the Chicago Chapter of The International Special Events Society from 1993 to 1995, and is active in numerous boards of charitable organizations.

In 1985 Carey met his wife, Diane, while being the DJ for her father’s 50th birthday party. This was the beginning of not only their love for each other, but their love of working with each other. Diane began working with Carey to create Carey Smolensky Productions, coordinating full scale corporate and social events; locally, nationally and globally.

Thirteen years later, in 1998, Custom Specialty Promotions was created as a division of Carey Smolensky Productions, to provide Promotional Products for their clients. In January 2006, Custom Specialty Promotions was incorporated by Diane Smolensky, as a woman owned business, with Carey as its Executive Vice President.

Carey continued to develop new concepts and in August 2007, STORM Interactive Entertainment was created to integrate live musicians & entertainers into the mix of DJs, MCs & Dancers.

Carey constantly evolves to create new concepts for impacting attendees in a multi-sensory fashion; thus creating unforgettable experiences on a social level and increased ROI on a corporate level. Exceeding client expectations for Live, Virtual, and Hybrid events.

The CSP family provides a one-stop source for their clients’ needs. As their strategic partner, we not only satisfy our clients, but exceed their expectations locally, nationally and globally.

Linda Alpert, a Chicago North Shore native, is an industry leader for over 38 years in special events ranging from community, corporate and social. A past Board member of industry professionals’ association, Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, past Board member of Women’s Board of Lake Forest College, active in volunteering at Northfield Food Pantry and a supporter of Lydia Children’s Home in Chicago.

John Altman serves as the Technical Production Manager for CSP Worldwide.  John, with over 20 years in the special event industry, has a wonderful knowledge of video, sound, and lighting.  It is John’s ability to foresee challenges and his creativity for solving them before they become issues is part of why he is such an asset to the CSP Worldwide Team. His expertise spans from in-person events to virtual events seamlessly. John has an eagerness for knowledge that leads him to finding the best possible solution to meet and, most often, exceed the expectations of Clients, Attendees, and the ROIs of the events he manages.

Diane met and fell in love with her husband Carey, while he was the DJ for her Dad’s 50th birthday party in 1985. Diane began working with Carey and together they created, Carey Smolensky Productions. This venture started by selling invitations and creating centerpieces and quickly grew. In 1987 we began coordinating full scale corporate and social events, both locally and nationwide. It was through this experience that Carey and Diane saw the need for a custom ad specialties company; as the perfect compliment to our other divisions thus providing convenience for their clients.

1998 Custom Specialty Promotions was created as a division of Carey Smolensky Productions. Through many hours of self taught technical education, Diane has learned this industry from the ground up. In January 2006, Custom Specialty Promotions became incorporated as a woman owned business with Diane Smolensky as its President and owner. It is this drive and determination that has served Diane her entire life as she is a survivor of being seriously injured by a drunk driver as well as a survivor of breast cancer. Diane instills her positive outlook on life along with her business ethics of integrity and honesty not only to her children but to her sales staff as well. As the business continued to grow so too, did their family with the births of Blake in 1989 and Rachel in 1991. Family is and has always been Diane’s main priority.

With a background rooted in education, Michelle brings a dynamic blend of organization, creativity, and a passion for meaningful connections to her role as Account Manager at Carey Smolensky Productions. Her ability to manage details, foster relationships, and think outside the box makes her a valuable asset to every project she touches. A proud mom to two amazing daughters; Cece (13) and Alice (11) - Michelle thrives on bringing positive energy to both her professional and personal life. Whether she’s with her family, adventuring with her oversized Goldendoodle, or hitting the pickleball court, Michelle brings enthusiasm, heart, and a fresh perspective to all she does.