STERLING EVENTS announced yesterday that it has partnered with BY DESIGN EVENT GROUP to open a new design and decor division: STERLING BY DESIGN. The new company will be based in Charlotte, N.C., and headed by former Design Event Group owner KRISTEN PRESTWOOD. Call 704/469-5993 …

VANESSA SELVA has been named director of social event sales for the new JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS MIAMI in Miami. Call 305/350-0750 …

TODD DEXTER has been named vice president/creative-U.S. at Minneapolis-based CARLSON MARKETING. Call 763/445-3281 …

Minneapolis-based METRO CONNECTIONS has promoted DAVID GRAVES to the post of president. Call 952/767-2907 …

Troy, Mich.-based PANACHE ENTERTAINMENT has expanded its operations to bookings in Chicago; the company already offers its services in Cleveland and Detroit, management says. Call 800/991-0925 …

Washington-based JODI MORARU & ASSOCIATES has changed its brand to EVOKE. The company continues to offer social event design and management but will now include work on corporate events. Call 202/237-8244 …

JEROME CARROUEE has been named executive chef at the PAN PACIFIC SINGAPORE. Call 65 6336 8111 …

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