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README.md

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-# Gradio Experts 🎓
+# Gradio Builders Guild ⚔️
 
-An invite-only network of exceptional developers recognized for their contributions to the Gradio ecosystem.
+The official alumni network for Gradio Hackathon builders.
 
-## About the Program
+## Who We Are
 
-Gradio Experts represent the top tier of the Gradio community—developers, educators, and builders whose work has meaningfully advanced how people build ML interfaces.
+This is the community that emerged from Gradio's hackathon series—starting with the [Agents & MCP Hackathon](https://huggingface.co/Agents-MCP-Hackathon) (4,200+ builders, 600+ projects) and the [MCP 1st Birthday](https://huggingface.co/MCP-1st-Birthday) (6,300+ builders).
 
-This is a selective program. Experts are nominated based on demonstrated impact, not applications.
+This org is the home base: a place to ship projects, find collaborators, and stay connected between events.
 
-## Recognition Criteria
+## Membership
 
-Experts are selected based on sustained, high-quality contributions in one or more areas:
+**Automatic membership** for anyone who:
+- Submitted an excellent project to any official Gradio hackathon.
+- Was recognized as a top contributor in our Discord during a hackathon
 
-| Track | What it looks like |
-|-------|-------------------|
-| **Builder** | Shipped production-grade Gradio apps used by others; created popular custom components |
-| **Educator** | Published tutorials, courses, or talks that help others learn Gradio |
-| **Contributor** | Merged PRs to Gradio core; filed high-quality issues; improved documentation |
-| **Community Leader** | Organized events, mentored newcomers, moderated spaces |
+**Nomination-based membership** for:
+- Outstanding Gradio builders who haven't participated in a hackathon (yet!)
 
-## Expert Benefits
+## What Happens Here
 
-- **Professional Recognition** — You can officially use "Gradio Expert" credential for LinkedIn, portfolios, and resumes
-- **Insider Access** — Private Slack with Gradio and Huggingface team; early access to roadmap and betas
-- **Amplification** — Featured from official gradio handles
+- 🚀 **Ship projects** — Continue building and sharing your work
+- 🤝 **Find collaborators** — Team up for the next hackathon or side project
+- 💡 **Get feedback** — Share WIPs and get input from fellow builders and Gradio team 
+- 📢 **Stay in the loop** — First to know about upcoming events, features, and opportunities
+- 💬 **Collaborate** — Direct Slack channel with the Gradio and Huggingface team
 
-## Current Experts
+## Guild Benefits
 
-*Inaugural cohort launching in early Q1 2026*
+- Priority registration for future hackathons
+- Access to exclusive "Guild Jams" (mini-hackathons, 48-72 hours)
+- Direct line to Gradio team for feedback and feature requests
+- HF Comunity grants for promising projects
+- Guild member badge on your HF profile
 
-## Path to Expertise
+## Upcoming Events
 
-There's no application form. The best way to be considered:
+| Event | Date | Theme |
+|-------|------|-------|
+| Spring Jam 2026 | April 2026 | *Cohosts with OpenAI* |
+| Summer Jam 2026 | Aug 2026 | *Stay Tuned* |
 
-1. **Build something great** with Gradio and share it publicly
-2. **Help others** in our Discord, forums, or GitHub
-3. **Teach what you know** through content or talks
-4. **Be visible** — we can't nominate what we can't see
+## Featured Alumni Projects
 
-Questions? Reach out to the Gradio team on [Discord](https://discord.gg/gradio).
+*Highlights from our hackathons:*
+
+- 🏆 [Project Name] — *Brief description*
+- 🏆 [Project Name] — *Brief description*
+
+[See all hackathon winners →](https://gradio.app/hackathon-winners)
+
+## Join the Guild
+
+Already a hackathon alum? Request to join this org—we'll verify your participation.
+
+Not yet? Join our next hackathon! Follow [@Gradio](https://twitter.com/Gradio) for announcements.
 
 ---
 
-*This program is inspired by the incredible builders from our hackathon series. Learn more at [gradio.app/hackathon-winners](https://gradio.app/hackathon-winners).*
+*Built by builders, for builders. 6,000+ strong and growing.*