Terms & Conditions of Membership

Effective Date: May 27, 2025

By submitting an application and/or accepting membership in The Consortium, you (‘Member’) agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Membership Eligibility and Conduct

1.1 Eligibility

Membership is granted to individuals who meet the criteria set forth by The Consortium and is subject to approval by the admissions committee.

1.2 Code of Conduct

Members are expected to maintain a professional, respectful, and inclusive environment across all Consortium events, online spaces, and communications. Harassment, abuse, or unethical behavior may result in suspension or termination of membership.

1.3 Participation

Members agree to engage in good faith with the programs, discussions, and opportunities provided by The Consortium, including peer reviews, judging, and publication contributions, when applicable.

2. Intellectual Property and Confidentiality

2.1 Ownership of Content

You retain all ownership rights to the content you submit, post, or display on or through the Consortium`'`s services (`"`Content`"`).

2.2 License Grant to the Consortium

By submitting, posting, or displaying Content, you grant the Consortium a perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully paid-up, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, perform, and display such Content. This license includes, but is not limited to, the right for the Consortium to use:

2.3 Your Representations

You represent and warrant that you have all the rights, power, and authority necessary to grant the license herein to any Content that you submit and that the use of such Content by the Consortium will not infringe upon the rights of any third party.

2.4 Confidentiality

Members agree not to disclose private or proprietary information shared within Consortium forums, events, discussions, or private channels, unless explicit permission is granted.

3. Membership Fees and Renewal

3.1 Fees

Membership is subject to an quarterly fee, which may vary by tier. Current rates are published on our website and may be adjusted quarterly with 30 days notice.

3.2 Auto-Renewal

Memberships auto-renew on an quarterly basis unless cancelled in writing at least 15 days before the renewal date. Renewal charges will be processed automatically using the payment method on file.

3.3 Non-Refundable

All membership fees are non-refundable, including in cases of early cancellation, resignation, or revocation of membership due to violation of these Terms.

4. Termination and Revocation

4.1 Voluntary Resignation

Members may resign at any time by notifying The Consortium in writing. No refund will be issued.

4.2 Revocation

Membership may be suspended or revoked at the discretion of The Consortium for violations of the Code of Conduct, failure to uphold community standards, or other behavior inconsistent with the mission and values of the organization.

5. Limitation of Liability

5.1 Liability Disclaimer

The Consortium is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with your membership, participation in events, or use of any related services.

5.2 No Endorsement

Membership does not imply endorsement of any member's personal projects, companies, products, or services.

6. Modifications to Terms

6.1 Term Amendments

The Consortium reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Changes will be communicated via email and posted publicly on the member portal. Continued participation constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

7. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, and any disputes will be subject to binding arbitration in that jurisdiction.

8. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless The Consortium, its officers, directors, employees, affiliates, contractors, partners, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that arise from:

  • your violation of these Terms,
  • your use or misuse of Consortium platforms or events,
  • your contributions to publications, events, or community programs,
  • or any content or conduct you submit, post, or participate in through The Consortium.
  • This obligation will survive the termination of your membership and these Terms.

    By submitting your application or completing your membership payment, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms.