Stellar Meridian 2025 in Rio: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

Stellar Meridian 2025 is the flagship annual conference of the Stellar ecosystem, and this year it’s headed to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The event will gather builders, innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers from around the world to shape the next chapter of open finance.

The conference theme, “The Blueprint,” reflects a focus on laying the groundwork now for the next decade of digital finance. Meridian 2025 is all about designing with purpose, building without compromise, and transforming big ideas into reality.

Scheduled for September 17–18, 2025 at the Copacabana Palace in Rio’s iconic beachfront district, Meridian 2025 is a fully in-person global conference. Over two days, attendees will engage in keynotes, panels, lightning talks, and workshops advancing products and innovations that are transforming the industry.

Expect conversations on everything from stablecoins and DeFi to real-world asset tokenization, compliance, and financial inclusion, all through the lens of the Stellar network’s evolution.

Key Reminders for Attendees:

• Dates & Venue: September 17–18, 2025 @ Copacabana Palace. Dress code is business casual.
• Language: Sessions will be in English. Arrange independent translation if needed.
• Power & Connectivity: Brazil uses Type N outlets. Bring the right adapter.
• Transportation: No parking at the venue; use ride-share or public transport. Uber drop-off: R. Rodolfo Dantas, 85.
• Check-In: Opens at 8:00 AM BRT on Sept 17. Bring a valid ID and your QR code. Badges must be worn at all times.

About the Event

Stellar Meridian is the Stellar Development Foundation’s annual gathering, and 2025 marks its first edition in Latin America. The event’s mission is to advance ecosystem products, technology, and innovation by bringing together a diverse community, from developers and founders to banks and regulators.

The theme “The Blueprint” signals a forward-looking agenda: what we build now will set the course for the coming decade in blockchain and digital finance.

Highlights include:

• Keynotes & Fireside Chats: Insights from fintech, crypto, and policy leaders.
• Panels & Lightning Talks: Covering DeFi, stablecoins, CBDCs, compliance, and real-world assets.
• Workshops & Deep-Dives: Hands-on sessions in the “Stellar House” with developer tools and Soroban smart contracts.
• Networking: From structured Braindates to informal socials, plenty of opportunities to connect.
• Ecosystem Showcase: Project demos, pitches, and the Ecosystem Awards.
• Socials: A Welcome Cocktail and Closing Celebration to network in Rio style.

Hackathon: HackMeridian 2025

HackMeridian 2025 runs September 15–16, 2025, just before the main conference. It’s a two-day hackathon designed for developers, designers, and product thinkers to build on Stellar tech.

• Format: Tracks for both experienced and entry-level Web3 developers.
• Support: Stellar engineers and ecosystem teams on-site to mentor.
• Prizes: $50,000 in XLM distributed across the top three projects.
• Inclusivity: Not just for coders. Product managers, designers, and marketers are welcome.
• Venue: The grand ballrooms of the Copacabana Palace provide an inspiring setting.

This hackathon embodies Stellar’s collaborative ethos: Creating real solutions with real impact.

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Community Side Events

Around Meridian, the Stellar community organizes side events across Rio. These are informal, community-driven, and packed with culture:

• Beach Volleyball & Caipirinhas on Copacabana.
• Sunset Happy Hours with Stellar Ambassadors.
• Morning Runs & Hikes including a trek to Christ the Redeemer.
• Workshops & Meetups on DeFi, wallets, and tokenization.
• Casual Sports & Socials like soccer matches and nightlife meetups.

These side events turn Meridian week into a festival, where the best connections often happen outside the panels.

Stellar in Latam: Why Rio Matters

Hosting Meridian in Brazil highlights Stellar’s growing footprint in Latin America. The region has seen rapid growth in fintech and blockchain adoption, with Stellar powering initiatives like:

• Stablecoin integrations tied to Brazil’s PIX payment system.
• Partnerships with exchanges like Mercado Bitcoin to launch a BRL-backed stablecoin.
• MoneyGram Access enables cross-border remittances.
• Humanitarian and financial inclusion programs leveraging Stellar rails.

Latin America’s mix of innovation, regulatory progress, and urgent financial needs makes it a natural stage for Stellar. Rio symbolizes this momentum – vibrant, creative, and global.

Networking and Onsite Highlights

Meridian 2025 brings unique features to maximize networking and engagement:

• Braindate: A platform for 1:1 or small-group conversations on attendee-posted topics. Schedule meaningful discussions in advance and meet in the dedicated Braindate Lounge.
• Meridian Pay: A new smart wallet for attendees – easy setup, no downloads. Expect interactive features and surprises during the event.
• Social Events: The Welcome Cocktail and Closing Celebration are perfect moments to solidify connections in a relaxed setting.

Are you ready?

Stellar Meridian 2025 in Rio is set to be an unforgettable gathering. From the Blueprint theme shaping the next decade, to hackathon innovation, beachside community bonding, and Latin America’s rise in Web3, it’s more than just a conference – it’s a movement.

Whether you’re a founder, developer, investor, or policymaker, Meridian offers a unique chance to connect, learn, and build. This September in Rio, expect not just panels, but partnerships – not just talks, but tangible progress.

See you in Rio – vamos lá!