Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are described for establishing an optimized geo-location based hub mesh network for a group of network controllers spanning multiple regions, where the optimized mesh network includes substantially fewer connections between network controllers than conventional hub mesh networks. Geo-location information is obtained for the group of network controllers, and the network controllers are categorized into various physical regions based on the geo-location information. Then, within each region, a particular network controller is selected to serve as a primary regional hub for that region. Tunnel connections are then established between each non-hub network controller in each region and the primary regional hub for that region. In addition, tunnel connections are established between each non-hub network controller in a region and each other non-hub network controller within the same region. Moreover, connections are established between the regional hub network controllers.