HederaCon 2025 is set to be a defining moment for the blockchain industry. Taking place on February 25, 2025, at The Arch in Denver, Colorado, this highly anticipated conference marks the return of Hedera’s flagship event after a seven-year hiatus. Co-located with ETHDenver, one of the largest blockchain developer gatherings in the world, HederaCon 2025 is poised to attract thousands of attendees from across the globe. This event will showcase groundbreaking innovations, foster collaboration among industry leaders, and address the most pressing issues in decentralized ledger technology (DLT).
Here’s everything you need to know about HederaCon 2025—from its background and structure to its star-studded lineup of speakers, major themes, can’t-miss sessions, and networking opportunities.
Get ready for #HederaCon 2025
Feb 25th, 2025
Denver, CO
HederaCon, @Hedera‘s first major user conference since 2018, unites the community, developers, business leaders, & industry pioneers.
Register here: https://t.co/skXtmaPDnL
Attendees gain** FREE entrance to… pic.twitter.com/lPYyZXsaP1
— Developer DAO (, ) (@developer_dao) February 13, 2025
Background and Context
A Return to the Spotlight
HederaCon 2025 represents a significant milestone for Hedera Hashgraph as it re-establishes its position as a leader in enterprise-grade DLT. The last HederaCon took place in 2018, and since then, Hedera has achieved remarkable advancements in scalability, sustainability, and security. The event’s revival comes at a time when Hedera is making strides in areas like real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, quantum-resistant cryptography, and ethical AI governance.
Strategic Timing and Location
By co-locating with ETHDenver—a conference that draws over 15,000 developers annually—HederaCon 2025 aims to bridge the gap between enterprise-grade DLT and Ethereum’s vibrant developer ecosystem. Denver serves as an ideal venue, known for its thriving tech community and blockchain-friendly policies. The event will kick off just before ETHDenver’s main activities, allowing attendees to seamlessly participate in both conferences.
Regenerates, it’s your time!
ETHDenver 2025 registration is now open to everyone!
Set up your ETHDenver Account to get started.
Your Account is your Wallet, where you can apply for ETHDenver tickets
Watch the video for details on how to claim your spot. pic.twitter.com/Suv4b64syy
— ETHDenver (@EthereumDenver) November 13, 2024
Event Structure and Tracks
HederaCon 2025 offers two distinct tracks tailored to different audiences:
Mainstage: Industry-Wide Thought Leadership
The Mainstage track is designed for business leaders, policymakers, and visionaries looking to understand blockchain’s macro trends and real-world applications. Key topics include:
- RWA Tokenization: Exploring tokenized assets like luxury diamonds and carbon credits.
- DeRec Alliance: Advancing decentralized recovery standards across blockchain ecosystems to enhance digital asset security and user experience. This collaborative effort aims to simplify key management and asset recovery, making Web3 technologies more accessible to mainstream users.
- AI-DLT Synergy: As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, ensuring ethical AI governance is critical. Panels will discuss how Hedera timestamps can provide transparency in AI decision-making processes across industries like healthcare and finance.
- Interoperability: Cross-chain collaboration with Ethereum, Polkadot, Cosmos, and more.
- Crypto Policy: Regulatory clarity for RWAs and decentralized AI governance.
Technical Track: Developer-Centric Workshops
The Technical Track focuses on hands-on learning for developers eager to build on Hedera’s platform. Highlights include:
- EVM Equivalence: Aligning Hedera’s smart contract service with Ethereum Virtual Machine standards.
- Hedera Consensus Service (HCS): Scalable consensus mechanisms for enterprise workflows.
- Dynamic NFTs: Innovations in recursive file management for evolving digital assets.
- Quantum-Resistant Upgrades: Preparing for post-quantum cryptography rollouts by 2026.
Speakers and Their Expertise
HederaCon 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of speakers who bring unparalleled expertise to the table:
- Dr. Leemon Baird (Co-Founder, Hedera):
Dr. Baird is the inventor of the hashgraph consensus algorithm that powers Hedera’s network. He will open the conference with insights into Hedera’s journey and unveil quantum-resistant solutions that ensure long-term security for enterprises. - Mance Harmon (Co-Founder, Hedera):
Harmon will discuss enterprise adoption strategies and highlight how Hedera’s unique governance model fosters decentralization while meeting compliance standards. - Charles Hoskinson (Founder, Cardano):
Hoskinson will join Dr. Baird in a much-anticipated panel discussion on decentralized recovery standards and cross-chain collaboration between Cardano and Hedera. - Caitlin Long (CEO, Custodia Bank):
Long brings expertise in crypto-friendly banking regulations and will discuss the implications of recent policy shifts for digital asset integration in traditional finance. - Alisa DiCaprio (Head of Industry Engagement, SWIFT):
DiCaprio will share insights on cross-border payments and the intersection of traditional banking rails with distributed ledger technologies. - Sushil Prabhu (CEO, Dropp):
Prabhu will showcase Dropp’s micropayment platform built on Hedera, demonstrating its potential for revolutionizing small-value transactions in digital media and beyond. - May Chan (Founder, Hashpack):
Chan will unveil next-generation wallet features, including non-custodial swaps and fraud detection, aimed at enhancing user experience and security.
Major Themes at HederaCon 2025
- Real-World Asset Tokenization:
RWA tokenization is a $3 trillion opportunity that could redefine traditional finance. Sessions will explore how Hedera is enabling fractional ownership of luxury goods like diamonds through partnerships with Vaultik and WGI, as well as digitizing carbon credits to promote sustainability. - Security and the DeRec Alliance:
The conference will highlight the DeRec Alliance’s efforts to create an open-source, blockchain-agnostic standard for secure digital asset recovery. Discussions will focus on how this initiative enhances Web3 security, mitigates asset loss risks, and promotes mass adoption by simplifying key management across multiple platforms. - AI-DLT Synergy:
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly integrated into everyday life, ensuring ethical AI governance is critical. Panels will discuss how Hedera timestamps can provide transparency in AI decision-making processes across industries like healthcare and finance. - Interoperability:
Cross-chain collaboration is essential for reducing ecosystem fragmentation. HederaCon will feature discussions on shared security models and cross-chain messaging standards that enable seamless asset transfers between networks. - Quantum Resistance:
Dr. Baird will present a roadmap for quantum-resistant upgrades that future-proof Hedera against emerging threats from quantum computing.
Can’t-Miss Sessions
Here are some of the most highly anticipated sessions at HederaCon 2025:
HederaCon 2025 brings together blockchain’s brightest minds to tackle crypto’s most pressing challenges. Below, we break down the must-attend sessions, spotlighting the speakers’ expertise and why their insights matter for Hedera’s ecosystem and the broader industry.
Cross-Border Crypto Payments: Breaking Global Barriers
- Speakers:
- Alisa DiCaprio (SWIFT):
Former R3 economist and new Head of Industry Engagement at SWIFT, DiCaprio bridges central banks and crypto. She’ll address reducing remittance costs using Hedera’s low-fee micropayments. - Ahmed Zifzaf (Worldpay):
Worldpay’s Crypto Partnerships Lead and UN blockchain advisor, Zifzaf merges traditional finance with crypto rails. His focus: real-time settlements for gig workers and SMEs. - Sushil Prabhu (Dropp):
Dropp’s CEO, a 30-year fintech veteran, will demo how Hedera’s 10K TPS enables Dropp’s 10M+ monthly transactions for instant cross-border wages.
- Alisa DiCaprio (SWIFT):
- Why It Matters:
- This session showcases how Hedera’s high-speed and cost-effective network could revolutionize micropayments under $20, potentially replacing legacy systems like SWIFT. Hedera’s ability to process transactions quickly and cheaply makes it ideal for small-value payments that traditional systems struggle with. The integration of Dropp, a Hedera-based micropayments platform, into the Federal Reserve’s FedNow system demonstrates the growing recognition of Hedera’s potential in this space.
Why the RWA Megatrend Isn’t Stopping Anytime Soon
- Speakers:
- Eli Cohen (Centrifuge):
Centrifuge’s General Counsel and ex-CME regulatory expert, Cohen decodes legal hurdles for tokenized treasuries post-BlackRock’s RWA push. - Rob Massey (Deloitte):
Deloitte’s Global Tax Leader for blockchain, Massey clarifies tax implications for RWAs—a critical unlock for institutional adoption. - Edward Nwokedi (RedSwan):
RedSwan’s CEO has tokenized $1B+ in real estate. He’ll share how fractional ownership democratizes access to luxury assets.
- Eli Cohen (Centrifuge):
- Why It Matters:
- This session offers a unique opportunity to explore Hedera’s groundbreaking partnerships in the $3 trillion real-world asset (RWA) tokenization market. Attendees will gain insights into how Hedera’s collaboration with Vaultik is revolutionizing the luxury goods industry through blockchain-based authentication. You’ll learn about Hedera’s innovative approach to secure and compliant asset management, which combines immutable digital certificates with low transaction costs and high throughput. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to leverage blockchain technology for large-scale RWA adoption across various industries.
Upcoming HederaCon session: Why the RWA Megatrend Isn’t Stopping Anytime Soon
You won’t want to miss hearing from @JusNode (@centrifuge), @masseyrl (@Deloitte), @chasemerlin (@brale_xyz), @apartmentpro (@RedSwanCRE), and @DJVanKeuren (@fore_institute) as they share insights into… pic.twitter.com/HPcfkyYqif
— Hedera (@hedera) February 14, 2025
How Interoperability Will Unlock the Future
- Speakers:
- Simon Baksys (LayerZero):
LayerZero’s cross-chain architect debates standards for seamless asset transfers between Hedera and EVM chains. - David Hawig (Web3 Foundation):
Polkadot’s XCM protocol co-creator advocates shared security models using Hedera’s aBFT consensus.
- Simon Baksys (LayerZero):
- Why It Matters:
- This session will highlight how interoperability unlocks new possibilities for blockchain innovation. Attendees will learn about Hedera’s enterprise solutions integrating with Ethereum’s developer ecosystem, potentially boosting cross-chain liquidity and application development.
AI Meets DLT: Scaling Responsibly
- Speakers:
- Speakers:Jonathan Dotan (EQTY Lab):
Dotan, a Stanford Fellow, will demo Hedera timestamps auditing AI decisions in healthcare—ensuring compliance and transparency. - Rebecca Liao (Saga):
Saga’s CEO enables AI training on encrypted data, addressing privacy concerns in decentralized AI workflows.
- Speakers:Jonathan Dotan (EQTY Lab):
- Why It Matters:
- This session will highlight how Hedera’s involvement in DAIS is crucial for developing ethical AI frameworks. Attendees will learn about Hedera’s role in creating transparent, auditable AI systems using distributed ledger technology. The discussion will explore how this collaboration could shape the future of AI governance, ensuring fairness and accountability in AI applications across various industries.
Why Wallets Need a Refresh
- Speakers:
- May Chan (Hashpack):
Hashpack’s founder unveils non-custodial swaps within wallets, rivaling Coinbase’s UX while keeping users in control. - Michael Lewellen (Blockaid):
Blockaid’s CTO integrates AI fraud detection, blocking 90% of phishing attacks pre-execution.
- May Chan (Hashpack):
- Why It Matters:
- This session offers a glimpse into the future of crypto wallets, addressing key barriers to mainstream adoption. Attendees will learn how next-generation wallets combine enhanced security with user-friendly features. You’ll discover how non-custodial swaps and AI-driven fraud detection can make managing digital assets safer and more intuitive. This knowledge is crucial for anyone looking to develop or use cutting-edge blockchain applications that prioritize both security and accessibility.
DLT Titans: Baird and Hoskinson on DeRec Alliance
- Speakers:
- Dr. Leemon Baird (Hedera): Hashgraph inventor and co-founder of the DeRec Alliance discusses decentralized recovery standards and cross-ecosystem collaboration.
- Charles Hoskinson (Cardano): Cardano’s founder and Input | Output CEO shares insights on improving user experience and blockchain interoperability through the DeRec Alliance.
- Why It Matters:
- This session offers a rare opportunity to witness two blockchain titans, Dr. Leemon Baird and Charles Hoskinson, discuss the crucial work of the DeRec Alliance. Attendees will gain insights into how this collaboration aims to simplify digital asset recovery across multiple blockchains. The discussion will explore how standardized decentralized recovery protocols could revolutionize user experience in Web3, potentially catalyzing mass adoption. By attending, you’ll learn firsthand about the industry’s unified efforts to enhance security, accessibility, and interoperability in the blockchain space.
The HederaCon speaker lineup and agenda just got bigger!
Join @IOHK_Charles (@Cardano) & Dr. @leemonbaird (Hedera & @hashgraph) for a high-profile fireside chat on the current state of DLT in the US, what’s next for the industry, the @DeRecAlliance, and more—moderated by… pic.twitter.com/wY14aDyq9k
— Hedera (@hedera) February 12, 2025
The Great Reset: US Crypto Policy Shift
- Speakers:
- Caitlin Long (Custodia):
Custodia’s CEO, architect of Wyoming’s crypto bank laws, predicts state-led stablecoin frameworks post-2024 elections. - Marta Belcher (Filecoin):
Filecoin’s counsel, fresh from Ripple’s SEC win, outlines strategies to counter regulatory overreach.
- Caitlin Long (Custodia):
- Why It Matters:
- This session offers a crucial opportunity to understand the dramatic shift in US crypto policy under the new administration. Attendees will gain insights into how recent executive orders and regulatory changes are reshaping the crypto landscape. The speakers will explore potential impacts on stablecoin development, CBDC initiatives, and cross-border transactions. By attending, you’ll learn how these policy shifts could affect your business strategies and Hedera’s position in the global blockchain ecosystem.
Networking and Community Building
HederaCon offers unparalleled networking opportunities:
- After-Party at Meow Wolf: Hosted by Hedera and Developer DAO, this event features Grammy-nominated DJ Wuki and immersive art exhibits, fostering informal collaboration among attendees.
- ETHDenver Synergy: Proximity to ETHDenver allows HederaCon participants to engage with Ethereum’s developer community, exploring cross-chain opportunities in DeFi and NFTs.
Join us for the official HederaCon after-party—’The Ħ-Bar’—held at Meow Wolf in Denver on February 25th!
Get ready for the most epic after-party, hosted by Hedera & @developer_dao.
From 9:00PM to 1:00AM, you can expect:
@Wuki, @notannelisa, @billyjitsu_, and… pic.twitter.com/wbS8sKpoG8
— Hedera (@hedera) February 5, 2025
Why You Can’t Miss HederaCon 2025
HederaCon 2025 isn’t just another blockchain conference—it’s where the future of decentralized technology takes shape. Whether you’re a developer looking to build scalable dApps or an investor seeking insights into emerging trends like RWA tokenization or AI-DLT integration, this event has something for everyone.
By attending live or following along digitally, you’ll gain exclusive access to cutting-edge innovations, thought-provoking discussions, and actionable insights that could redefine your role in the blockchain ecosystem.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative event—HederaCon 2025 is where tomorrow begins today!
*Disclaimer: News content provided by Genfinity is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, we do not offer financial or legal advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or legal decisions. Genfinity disclaims any responsibility for actions taken based on the information presented in our articles. Our commitment is to share knowledge, foster discussion, and contribute to a better understanding of the topics covered in our articles. We advise our readers to exercise caution and diligence when seeking information or making decisions based on the content we provide.