Meridian Salons Launch Garden Party

As diplomacy continues to expand beyond traditional actors, Meridian International Center is reimagining how Washington’s international affairs community connects. Meridian is where leaders across diplomacy, business, and culture gather to share ideas and strengthen relationships and in that same spirit, Meridian launched the next chapter: Meridian Salons on June 13, 2025.  

This new series is designed for professionals leading global initiatives across sectors. Meridian Salons are free, off-the-record gatherings that feature dynamic conversations among practitioners shaping the city’s global agenda—from foreign policy to AI. The launch event brought together a cross-section of Washington’s most thoughtful rising voices for an evening of reflection, relationship-building, and forward-looking dialogue. 

Meridian Salons Reflect the New Face of Diplomacy

Meridian Executive Vice President Natalie Jones highlighted how diplomacy has evolved: “Power and influence no longer reside solely in governments.” Today’s diplomacy includes engineers, artists, state and local officials, entrepreneurs, and athletes.  

Meridian Salons embrace this broader definition, creating space for these diverse leaders to build trust, exchange ideas, and collaborate on global challenges. Amid today’s political bubbles and professional silos, Meridian Salons offer a rare opportunity to step away from the daily hustle and engage as people.  

With the launch of Meridian Salons, Meridian continues its mission of empowering leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy. By combining cross-sector insights, peer-driven design, and a commitment to open diplomacy, the Salons are poised to become a cornerstone of Washington’s next generation of international engagement.