1420 E. Broadway Ct, Newton, KS | 316-284-3100

Community

Our mission: To provide best-in-class experience for events and meetings in a state-of-the-art, contemporary atmosphere, with exceptional value and service to our customers and clients.

Community

Our mission: To provide best-in-class experience for events and meetings in a state-of-the-art, contemporary atmosphere, with exceptional value and service to our customers and clients.

The Meridian Center is a 15,000 square foot facility dedicated to providing a best-in-class experience for your wedding, conference, meeting or social event. The Meridian Center is located in Newton, Kansas at the crossroads of I-135 and US Highway 50. It features beautiful modern décor, a large, inviting lobby perfect for receptions, modern lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and full-service kitchen.

With the ability to accommodate groups from 5 to 500, rates ranging from $50 to $250 per hour and a professional staff dedicated to your satisfaction, the Meridian Center truly is the choice for your next event.

Here to serve you

Michael Lunsford

Michael Lunsford

Director

Michael began his tenure at the Meridian Center while it was still under construction in March of 2011. His career prior to taking the reins included a diverse background in operations, sales and marketing, hospitality and corporate event planning. He enjoys building strategic partnerships within the community and serves in a leadership role on several local boards of directors. The greatest satisfaction Michael receives from his position is knowing that Meridian Center staff members genuinely care and are passionate about creating special event memories for guests. When not at work, Michael has been known to travel great distances to watch his children play sports or a musical instrument, or compete in martial arts tournaments.

Maybe You?

Maybe You?

Event Coordinator

This position is currently open.

Reuben Garcia

Reuben Garcia

Chef

Reuben fell in love with food at an early age and decided to pursue it as a career. He began working in his family’s restaurant as a dishwasher at an early age. As he gained experience, he struck out on his own, eventually landing in one of the premier conference facilities in the area. After honing his skills cooking great food and managing event staff for some of the largest groups in Kansas, he left his longtime employer to join the Meridian Center team in April of 2021. While Reuben always enjoys learning more about various types of cuisine, his favorite foods to cook are Mexican and Italian. When not cooking, Reuben enjoys music, video games and sports.

Makaylee Ybarra

Makaylee Ybarra

Administrative assistant

Makaylee joined us in February of 2023. While her title is administrative assistant, her contribution to the success of your event goes well beyond being the friendly voice on the phone and the smiling face greeting you upon arrival. With several years of restaurant and hospitality experience, Makaylee takes great joy in creating memorable experiences for our guests. When she is not working, Makaylee enjoys hiking, spending time at the lake, reading, spending time with friends, and playing with her pets.

Upcoming Special Events

Upcoming Special Events

At the Crossroads

In the early 1900s, a prominent Newton citizen, Mr. John C. Nicholson, had a vision. From that vision, the Meridian Highway was born.

The Meridian Highway would run along the 6th Principle Meridian, connecting Canada to Mexico. It eventually became US 81 and the precursor to Interstate 135 on which the Meridian Center is situated. Later, Mr. Nicholson would create a plan to bring US Highway 50, connecting the East and West Coast and intersecting the Meridian Highway, right through Newton, KS.

Newton’s location at the crossroads of these major freeways continues to shape and define its economic development and forward-thinking community growth. The Meridian Center, named for the vision of the Meridian Highway, is the perfect location for your event.

Community Information