Event veteran MARTIN A.J. VAN KEKEN JR. announced yesterday that his Vancouver, British Columbia-based MVKA will "transition into a new corporate phase," ceasing operations as a special event and production company. He will continue to operate under the MVKA brand, solely offer speaking, consulting and advisory services to corporate entitles around the world. Call 604/708-0085 …

Orlando, Fla.-based PUFF 'N STUFF CATERING has acquired Tampa, Fla.-based CATERING BY DESIGN. LAUREN BALDEN, Catering by Design president, will join the Puff N' Stuff team. Call 407/629-7833 …

Gala Award-winning event producer HILLARY HARRIS has been promoted to executive director, WARNER BROS. SPECIAL EVENTS, based in Burbank, Calif. Call 818/954-7978 …

DANIELLE "DANI" CHILDRESS has been named business development manager with FOURTH WALL EVENTS, based in New York. Call 212/316-0052 …

DOUGLAS HOAGLAND has joined Los Angeles-based LINDA HOWARD'S SENSATIONAL CELEBRATIONS. Call 310/472-5848 …

ERIC LANE and CHRIS REGISTER have launched EVENT THEORY, a new catering company in Los Angeles. Call 424/209-2320 …

Dallas-based event guru and media personality STEVE KEMBLE has partnered with IMPULSE ENTERPRISES to develop his first collection of branded event and hospitality products; it will feature chargers and chandeliers in trendy acrylic finishes. Call 954/957 9917 …

MARIANA GALLO, CMP, has joined Washington-based IMN SOLUTIONS as director of marketing and events. Call 703/908-0707 …

CHUCK RODRIGUEZ has been named catering manager at the INTERCONTINENTAL TAMPA in Tampa, Fla. Call 866/915-1557 …

LAURA LONGO has joined New York-based PROPS FOR TODAY. Call 212/244-9600, ext. 175 …

Moore, S.C.-based TOP TEC has named CHRISTINE HOLMES director of marketing. Call 800/845-2830 …

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