LaValle Hospitality Group is opening Meridian Events & Catering, a new venue in West Des Moines for weddings, corporate or private events, conventions, trainings, trade shows, galas, holiday parties or concerts. The venue, located in the Atlas Building complex at 7001 Westown Parkway, Suite 150, includes 16,000 square feet, with seating for up to 600 indoor guests and capacity for 800 to 1,000 guests in reception or theater-style arrangements, according to a news release. The site also features a lakeside 30-foot stage with seasonally tented seating for wedding ceremonies, trade shows, continuing education presentations and music concerts. Meridian Events & Catering will host a public grand opening 4-7 p.m. Thursday, with a ribbon-cutting at 6 p.m. The new venue expands LaValle Hospitality Group’s portfolio, which also includes the River Center in downtown Des Moines, the Purveyor Wine Bar and Eatery in the East Village and Allora Café in the Krause Gateway Center.