The Round Table
The Social Media Talks: the voices of the bachata community, live at one table.
And this year, you decide who takes the mic.
Six voices, one table, no filters
Every year, the Round Table brings the community into one room to debate the things we usually only discuss in hallways and WhatsApp groups. After "How to Create a Better Dance Scene Together" and "Bachata in Motion: Trends & Challenges in the Bachata scene", this edition is The Social Media Talks: the voices you follow online, live at one table.
Six speakers and a moderator take the topics that move our scene and debate them openly, with no scripts and no untouchables. And the table is bigger than the stage: raise your hand, take the mic, and jump into the conversation at any moment.
What is on the table?
We leave the topics open on purpose. The final themes take shape once we know who is sitting at the table, and the audience brings its own questions on the day. One thing is guaranteed: the conversations the scene is already having, out loud.
This year, you build the panel
Until now, we picked the speakers. From this edition, half the table belongs to the community: you apply, you vote, you decide who represents you. The other half is invited by the organization to keep the table balanced.
Community seats
Chosen by public vote. Anyone can apply, everyone can vote: the three most voted candidates take a seat at the table.
Invited speakers
Hand-picked by the organization to balance the table: different roles, scenes, and points of view.
Moderator
Keeps the conversation flowing, fair, and on time. And makes sure the audience gets the mic too.
Voting is one ballot per person: pick up to 3 candidates, and the three with the most votes are in.
How it works
Apply to speak
15 June - 28 June
Tell us who you are and what you would bring to the table. Creator, activist, community builder, teacher, DJ, organizer: if your voice moves the community, this is your seat.
We prepare the ballot
29 - 30 June
We review the applications and prepare the candidate list. If there are more candidates than a ballot can hold, we curate a balanced shortlist, and we say so openly.
The community votes
1 July - 12 July
Vote for up to 3 candidates on Kadens. One ballot per person, and every vote counts the same.
Meet the panel
15 July
The three most voted candidates join three invited speakers and the moderator. See you at the table on 10 October.
Want a seat at the table?
Applications open on 15 June. Get your pitch ready: who you are, and the conversation you want the scene to have.
Open to everyone in the bachata community. Voting needs a free Kadens account: that is what keeps it one ballot per person.
Questions? Email bachata.geneva@gmail.com
Frequently asked questions
The community seats are for the voices of the community: content creators, activists, community builders, commentators, teachers, DJs, organizers. You do not need a huge following, you need something to say and to represent the community in a good way. Applications are open to everyone, whether or not you have a festival pass yet.
Take part
Your scene, your voices
The Round Table only works because people show up with opinions. Apply, vote, or just come and say what you think: the table is yours too.