Welcome to Together Sofia! These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of our website and your participation in any events organized by Together Sofia. By registering for an event, purchasing a ticket, or attending our activities, you agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully to understand your rights and obligations.
Together Sofia is an informal community initiative founded and operated by Mike Smid (referred to in these Terms as “Together Sofia”, “we”, or “us”). We plan to incorporate as Together Sofia LLC in the future, at which point these Terms may be updated to reflect the new company. For now, Mike Smid is the responsible organizer. You can reach us at hello@togethersofia.com. We are based in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Together Sofia organizes a variety of social and cultural events in Sofia. Our main event types include:
Language Exchanges: Casual meetups to practice languages with others in a friendly environment.
Walk the Talk: Conversational walks where participants stroll through the city while engaging in guided discussions.
Social Thursdays: Informal weekly social gatherings to meet new people in a relaxed setting.
Together Run Club: Group runs/jogging meetups for fitness and fun, open to various skill levels.
Speed Dating Events: Organized sessions where participants have a series of short “mini-dates” to meet potential matches in a safe, fun environment.
These, along with any other activities we introduce, are collectively referred to as our “Events” or “Services” in these Terms.
Signing Up: To participate in an event, you may need to register through our website or a designated sign-up form, providing information like your name and contact details. You agree to provide accurate and complete information. If any of your details change (for example, you get a new phone number), please inform us so we can update our records.
Age Requirement: Our events are intended for adults. You must be at least 18 years old to attend Together Sofia events or use our services. By registering, you confirm that you meet this age requirement. We reserve the right to request ID to verify age at events if needed.
Code of Conduct: We strive to create a welcoming and safe community. By joining an event, you agree to abide by our Community Code of Conduct (see the separate Community Code of Conduct section below). In short, this means treating everyone with respect, not harassing anyone, and following the rules set by organizers. Violating the Code of Conduct can result in immediate removal from an event and/or exclusion from future events, without a refund if a fee was paid.
Health and Safety: Some of our events involve physical activity or outdoor participation (e.g., the Run Club or walking tours). By choosing to participate, you acknowledge that you are physically fit and able to join such activities. Please exercise care and follow any safety instructions given by us. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, it’s your responsibility to take appropriate precautions (and if necessary, consult a doctor before participating or opt out of activities that may be risky for you). We may ask participants to sign a separate waiver for certain high-activity events if needed, but even if not, your participation is at your own risk (see Liability below).
We aim to keep our events affordable and accessible. Some events are free, while others require a ticket or fee (especially where there are venue costs, materials, or limited spots). Below are our policies on payments and refunds:
Payment Methods: If an event has a fee, you can pay online via credit/debit card (processed securely through Stripe via our website’s WooCommerce checkout). We may also accept cash payments at the event or bank transfers by special arrangement (e.g., if you contact us directly to reserve and pay in person). All prices will be clearly listed on the event information page.
Booking Confirmation: For online payments, your spot is confirmed once payment is successfully processed. You should receive a confirmation email or message. For cash or bank transfer arrangements, we will confirm your reservation via email or WhatsApp once we receive your request (and payment, if applicable).
Refund Policy (Participant Cancellations): We understand plans can change. If you need to cancel your participation, you may do so within 12 hours of your ticket purchase to receive a full refund. To cancel, contact us by email or the platform through which you booked, and if it’s within 12 hours of purchase, we will refund your payment using the original method (or provide an event credit, if you prefer and if applicable).
No-Show and Late Cancellation: If you do not show up to an event you registered for (a “no-show”) or if you cancel more than 12 hours after purchasing your ticket (i.e., last-minute), your ticket is non-refundable. No-shows and very late cancellations prevent others from taking your spot and can cause difficulties in event planning, so we enforce this policy to be fair to all participants. (Of course, if you have an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, please let us know – we value communication and may make exceptions at our discretion for genuine emergencies.)
Event Cancellations or Changes (by Us): Occasionally, we might have to cancel or reschedule an event (for example, due to extreme weather, venue issues, or low sign-ups). If Together Sofia cancels an event you’ve paid for, you will be offered a full refund or the option to transfer your booking to the rescheduled date or a similar event. If we need to change the event (e.g., change of venue or time) and you can no longer attend because of the change, you can request a refund. We will do our best to notify you of cancellations or major changes as early as possible via the contact information you provided (email/WhatsApp).
Payment Issues: If there is an issue with your payment (such as a chargeback, declined card, or incomplete payment), we reserve the right to cancel your registration until the issue is resolved. We will attempt to contact you to resolve any payment problems. Likewise, if you accidentally underpaid or overpaid (like a bank transfer error), we will work with you to settle the correct amount or issue a refund for the difference.
Check-In: When you arrive at an event, please check in with the organizer or host. We might have a guest list, or you may receive a ticket/QR code to show. This helps us know who has arrived and keeps the event secure. Please arrive on time to get the full experience (if you’re running late, it’s courteous to let us know if possible).
Venue Rules: Many of our events take place at third-party venues (like cafes, bars, parks, or coworking spaces). In addition to our rules, you agree to follow all the venue’s rules. For example, if a venue is non-smoking, you must refrain from smoking except in designated areas; if outside drinks are not allowed, please respect that. If a venue requires age verification (e.g., an 18+ bar or a club), be prepared to show a valid ID. Treat the venue with respect (no vandalism, clean up after yourself if needed) so we are welcome to return.
Behavior and Etiquette: While at the event, we expect you to behave in a way that is respectful to everyone. This means:
No harassment or discrimination – as per our Code of Conduct, make sure everyone feels comfortable. Absolutely no hate speech, inappropriate comments, or unwanted advances.
No drug use – illegal substances are not allowed at any Together Sofia event. If you are found in possession of or using illegal drugs, you will be asked to leave immediately, and you may be banned from future events. (Also, you would be solely responsible for any legal consequences.)
Responsible drinking – if alcohol is available, please drink responsibly. If an organizer or venue staff believes you’re too intoxicated, you may be cut off from further drinks or kindly asked to leave for safety reasons.
General courtesy – listen to event instructions, don’t talk over any presenters or hosts, and be kind to fellow participants and staff.
Following Instructions: Our event hosts or facilitators (and any hired staff or volunteers) are there to ensure everyone has a good time and stays safe. You agree to follow their reasonable instructions. For example, in Speed Dating, you’ll be asked to rotate tables when time is up; in Run Club, you’ll be expected to follow the planned route or stay with the group unless you inform us; in a walking tour, you might need to stick with the group for safety. If an organizer asks the group for attention for an announcement, please cooperate.
Photography and Media: By attending, you acknowledge that events may be photographed or filmed by us for community purposes. We may capture group photos or action shots during activities. If you have serious concerns about being photographed, please inform the organizer in advance (also see the Photography Consent section of our Privacy Policy). Otherwise, by participating, you give us permission to use any images or videos that you appear in for legitimate purposes related to Together Sofia (such as event recaps on our Facebook page, a montage on our website, or other promotional materials). We will not sell these images or use them in a way that is exploitative. We understand and respect that not everyone loves being on camera, so we try to be considerate with photos. Again, feel free to communicate with us about any concerns.
Our Community Code of Conduct (detailed as a separate document below) is incorporated into these Terms by reference. This means that by agreeing to these Terms, you are also agreeing to uphold the standards of behavior described in the Code of Conduct. Please review it carefully, as it provides important guidelines on how to interact with others in the community.
In summary, the Code of Conduct asks everyone to be respectful, inclusive, and kind, and it strictly forbids harassment, discrimination, and illegal or unsafe behavior. If you violate the Code of Conduct or any of these Terms, we may take action including removing you from the event and banning you from future events. We reserve the right to do so to protect our community and maintain a positive environment.
We want you to have fun at our events, but we also need to make it clear what happens if something goes wrong. By participating in Together Sofia events, you acknowledge and agree to the following:
Assumption of Risk: You understand that participating in our Events involves inherent risks. For example, if you join the Run Club, there’s a risk of physical injury (like sprains or falls); if you attend a social event, there’s a chance of minor accidents (like spilling a drink) or interpersonal conflicts (like an argument). By attending, you voluntarily assume these and other reasonable risks associated with event participation.
Personal Responsibility for Safety: You agree to take responsibility for your own safety and well-being during events. Please make decisions appropriate to your health and comfort level. If at any time you feel unsafe or unwell, inform an organizer or remove yourself from the situation if possible. For instance, if you feel tired during a run, it’s okay to slow down or stop; if a conversation is making you uncomfortable, you can politely exit and let an organizer know.
Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent allowed by law, Together Sofia and Mike Smid (and any future Together Sofia LLC) will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage you might suffer at our events. This includes personal injury, illness (for example, catching a cold), or lost/damaged personal property. We do not carry special event insurance at this stage, as we are an informal group. We will, of course, act responsibly and do what we can to help if something happens (for example, we can assist you in calling for medical help, or look for a lost item), but we are not assuming liability for these risks.
No Warranty for Event Outcomes: We can’t guarantee that you will achieve any particular outcome by attending (for example, we can’t promise you’ll find a date at a speed dating event or become fluent in a language at a language exchange!). Our commitment is to provide opportunities, but what you get out of it is up to you. Events are provided “as is” and “as available” without any warranty of any kind.
Indemnity: If you do something at an event that causes harm to someone else or causes a legal issue, you agree that Together Sofia and its organizers are not responsible for that. In fact, you agree to indemnify (protect) Together Sofia and Mike Smid from any claims, lawsuits, or expenses (including legal fees) that arise because of your actions or participation. (In plain language: if your actions cause trouble and someone tries to hold us responsible, you’ll cover those costs, not us.) We don’t expect this to happen, but we have to state it.
Exceptions: Nothing in these Terms is intended to limit liability for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under law. We also do not seek to exclude any consumer rights you have under law. These Terms are just about clarifying the extent of our responsibility and your responsibility when it comes to inherent risks.
Website and Content: All content on the Together Sofia website (including our text, images, graphics, and design) is owned by us or used by us with permission. It’s protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. You’re welcome to read, share links to our pages, and use our site for its intended purpose (like registering for events or learning about what we do). However, you may not copy, republish, or sell our content without our written permission.
Together Sofia Name and Logo: “Together Sofia” and our logo are our trademarks/service marks (even if not formally registered yet). You agree not to use our name or logo in a way that confuses others into thinking you represent Together Sofia or that we endorse any venture without our consent. (For example, don’t throw an event and call it a “Together Sofia” event unless we’ve agreed to collaborate.)
Participant Contributions: Sometimes community members contribute content – for instance, you might write a guest blog post, share photos with us, or give a testimonial. By providing such content to us, you are giving us permission to use it on our website, social media, or other materials to promote Together Sofia. We will of course give you credit whenever feasible (like putting your name as the author of a blog post you wrote). If you want to revoke permission for something you contributed, let us know and we will respect your request going forward (though we might not be able to remove things immediately if they’ve already been printed or widely distributed).
Your privacy is important. Our collection and use of your personal information is described in our Privacy Policy (above). By participating in events or using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the Privacy Policy. In short, we will use your data (like contact info and preferences) to organize events and communicate with you, and we will protect that data in line with GDPR and other applicable laws.
If you have questions about how we handle personal data, you can always reach out at hello@togethersofia.com.
Modification of Terms: We may update these Terms from time to time as our community grows or as laws change. When we make changes, we will post the updated Terms on our website and update the “last updated” date at the bottom. If the changes are significant, we may also notify active participants via email or at events. By continuing to use our services or attend events after changes to the Terms, you agree to the revised Terms.
Event Changes: Together Sofia reserves the right to change the details of an event when necessary (for example, changing the venue, start time, or schedule of activities). We also reserve the right to cancel an event entirely. If we make a significant change or cancel an event you’ve signed up for, we will notify you promptly and provide options as described in the Refunds section above. We strive not to make changes at the last minute, and we appreciate your understanding if it happens.
Termination of Services: We hope to keep hosting events for a long time, but if for some reason we decide to stop operating Together Sofia or offering certain services, we will let you know. If you have pre-paid for any upcoming event that gets cancelled due to such a termination, we will refund you. Our Privacy Policy will explain what happens to your personal data in such cases (generally, we would delete it or hand it over to you, unless legally required to keep it).
These Terms and any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms, our website, or our Events will be governed by the laws of Bulgaria, as well as applicable laws of the European Union. By using our services, you agree that if any dispute cannot be resolved amicably, it will be submitted to the competent courts of Sofia, Bulgaria, which will have jurisdiction.
For consumers within the EU, this choice of jurisdiction does not override any protections you have under consumer protection laws in your country of residence (for example, you may also have the right to bring a claim in your home country). We mention the legal venue mostly to be transparent. In reality, we hope to never have a dispute escalate that far — we strongly prefer to work things out by talking.
If you have questions or concerns about these Terms, or if you need to reach us for any reason, please contact:
Together Sofia (Attn: Mike Smid)
Email: hello@togethersofia.com
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
We value your participation in Together Sofia and your trust. Thank you for reading through these Terms and for being a part of our community. We look forward to seeing you at our events and hope you have wonderful experiences!
Last updated: April 27, 2025
