Meet the Team

Carey Smolensky is a dynamic entrepreneur, global event producer, entertainer, recording artist, author, and documentary filmmaker whose passion for creating impactful, multi-sensory experiences has defined a career spanning more than 45 years. His journey began in high school, when he founded his first company, Mobile Music, igniting a lifelong dedication to entertainment, production, and meaningful human connection.

In 1985, Carey met his wife, Diane, while DJing her father's 50th birthday party; a moment that sparked not only their love for each other but also their shared passion for working together. Diane soon began collaborating with Carey to build what would become the Carey Smolensky Productions Family of Companies, coordinating full-scale events and helping shape the early foundation of the business. Thirteen years later, in 1998, Custom Specialty Promotions was created as a division of Carey Smolensky Productions to provide branded merchandise for their clients. In January 2006, Custom Specialty Promotions was incorporated by Diane as a woman-owned business, with Carey serving as its Executive Vice President. Carey continued expanding the family of companies with new concepts, and in August 2007, STORM Interactive Entertainment was launched to integrate live musicians and performers with DJs, MCs, and dancers, further elevating the experiential entertainment landscape.

As the Founder and President of the Carey Smolensky Productions Family of Companies, Carey has created a multi-brand ecosystem that includes world-class event production, interactive entertainment, and branded merchandise solutions, serving corporate, social, and philanthropic clients around the world.

From immersive stage environments and high-energy entertainment to cutting-edge AV production and transformative conference experiences, Carey has become known for elevating events with creativity, precision, and passion. His hands-on expertise ranges from live production and content strategy to audience engagement and experiential design. Under his leadership, the family of companies, Carey Smolensky Productions, CSP Worldwide, Mobile Music Interactive Entertainment, STORM Interactive Entertainment, and Custom Specialty Promotions, has grown into an industry-leading network that brings innovation, impact, and authenticity to every project.

Carey is also the creator and producer of the internationally acclaimed documentary SHALOM PASSION; Never Again is NOW!, inspired by his volunteer mission to support displaced families in Israel in December 2023. His work on the Shalom Passion Initiative and his journey through Israel during wartime led to unprecedented access, powerful storytelling, and a full feature film that continues to receive global recognition and awards at festivals around the world.

A lifelong entertainer, producer, and master of connection, Carey continues to inspire audiences, uplift communities, and support countless organizations, families, and brands with passion and purpose. Whether producing large-scale conferences, crafting bespoke celebrations, mentoring the next generation, or championing causes close to his heart, Carey brings unmatched energy, dedication, and vision to everything he touches.

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.

Blake Smolensky has quite literally grown up in the world of live events. As part of the CSP family of companies from a young age, he has spent his life immersed in production, performance, creativity, and the behind-the-scenes magic that transforms ideas into unforgettable experiences.

Today, as a Senior Event Producer for Carey Smolensky Productions, Blake brings a modern edge and a deep-rooted passion for crafting powerful moments. His expertise spans every facet of event production, from creative concept development to technical design, staging, audio, lighting, video, interactive entertainment, and full-scale show flow execution. Blake thrives on implementing innovative technology, fresh perspectives, and multi-sensory elements that elevate events into immersive, emotionally resonant experiences.

Known for his calm leadership, creative problem-solving, and attention to detail, Blake ensures every event he touches is seamless, impactful, and aligned with the vision of each individual client. With a strong commitment to excellence and a genuine love for creating meaningful connections through live experiences, Blake continues the CSP legacy while forging his own path as a next-generation leader in the event production industry.

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.