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+# GitHub Copilot Instructions for TestingConferences.org
+
+## Project Overview
+
+TestingConferences.org is a community-driven website that lists software testing conferences and workshops. It's built with Jekyll (Ruby-based static site generator) and deployed as a GitHub Pages site.
+
+## Repository Structure
+
+- `_data/` - Contains YAML files with conference data
+  - `current.yml` - Upcoming conferences and workshops
+  - `past.yml` - Past conferences with optional video playlists
+- `_layouts/` - Jekyll layout templates
+- `_includes/` - Reusable Jekyll components
+- `_posts/` - Blog posts and news
+- `_sass/` - Sass stylesheets
+- `devops/` - Docker setup scripts for local development
+- `.circleci/` - CI/CD configuration
+
+## Build and Test Commands
+
+### Local Development (Docker)
+
+```bash
+# Setup (starts Docker container and opens browser)
+./devops/setup.sh
+
+# Teardown (stops Docker container)
+./devops/teardown.sh
+```
+
+### CI/CD Build (CircleCI)
+
+```bash
+# Install dependencies
+gem install bundler
+bundle install
+
+# Build site
+bundle exec jekyll build --verbose
+
+# Test (validates HTML and links)
+bundle exec htmlproofer ./_site --check-html --disable-external
+```
+
+## Data Schema Guidelines
+
+### Conference Entry Format
+
+When adding or updating conferences in `_data/current.yml` or `_data/past.yml`:
+
+**Required Fields:**
+
+- `name` - Full conference name with year
+  - Include abbreviations in parentheses when commonly used
+  - Examples: `Automation Guild 2026`, `Workshop on Performance and Reliability (WOPR) 2026`
+- `location` - City, state/country, and whether online
+- `dates` - Event dates (use quotes if complex format)
+- `url` - Conference website with `?utm_source=testingconferences` tracking
+
+**Optional Fields:**
+
+- `twitter` - Twitter handle WITHOUT @ symbol
+- `status` - Current status (CFP open/closed, registration status, etc.)
+  - Can include HTML links: `<a href="..." target="_blank">Registration is Open</a>`
+- `video_playlist` - (past.yml only) Link to conference presentation videos
+
+**Important Rules:**
+
+1. Order in YAML files determines display order - insert events in correct chronological position
+2. If conference name contains colon (:), wrap in quotes: `"test:fest 2026"`
+3. No marketing videos in video_playlist - only actual presentation/talk recordings
+4. Only include conferences specifically focused on software testing
+
+### Example Entry
+
+```yaml
+- name: Automation Guild 2026
+  location: Online
+  dates: "February 9-13, 2026"
+  url: https://testguild.com/ag-2026/?utm_source=testingconferences
+  twitter: testguilds
+  status: <a href="https://testguild.com/register/?utm_source=testingconferences" target="_blank">Registration is Open</a>
+```
+
+## Code Style and Conventions
+
+- **YAML Files**: Follow existing indentation (2 spaces)
+- **Markdown**: Use standard markdown formatting
+- **HTML**: Semantic HTML5, accessibility-friendly
+- **Links**: Always add `?utm_source=testingconferences` to conference URLs for tracking
+- **External Links**: Use `target="_blank"` when appropriate
+
+## Testing Standards
+
+- Always run `bundle exec htmlproofer` after making changes to validate HTML
+- Check that Jekyll builds successfully with `bundle exec jekyll build`
+- Test locally with Docker before submitting PRs
+- All external links should be valid and not broken
+
+## Contributing Guidelines
+
+### Pull Request Workflow
+
+1. Fork the repository and create a branch from `main`
+2. Make changes following the data schema
+3. Test locally using Docker setup
+4. Ensure CircleCI build passes
+5. Submit PR with clear description
+
+### Conference Eligibility
+
+Only include conferences/workshops specifically for software testing. Per the README:
+
+- Focus is a goal - only conferences that are specifically for software testing are listed
+- If a conference covers software testing but is not specifically for testers, it is excluded
+- Good heuristic: conference name includes "Test", "Testing", "Quality", "Automation", or is otherwise clearly focused on testing (e.g., "Robocon", "Automation Guild")
+- Conference describes itself as specifically for software testers
+
+## Common Tasks
+
+### Adding a New Conference
+
+1. Check if conference already exists in `_data/current.yml`
+2. Add entry following the data schema above
+3. Insert in correct chronological order
+4. Include all required fields and relevant optional fields
+5. Run local build to test
+6. Submit PR
+
+### Moving Conference to Past List
+
+1. Remove entry from `_data/current.yml`
+2. Add to `_data/past.yml` in chronological order
+3. Optionally add `video_playlist` if available
+4. Update status if needed
+
+### Updating Conference Information
+
+1. Locate conference in appropriate YAML file
+2. Update relevant fields
+3. Ensure format compliance
+4. Test build locally
+
+## Dependencies
+
+Per the Gemfile and CircleCI config:
+
+- **Ruby**: 3.1 (cimg/ruby:3.1)
+- **Bundler**: 2.4.17
+- **Jekyll**: >= 3.10.0
+- **GitHub Pages**: >= 232
+- **html-proofer**: ~> 3.19.4
+- **Docker**: Required for local development
+
+## Security and Best Practices
+
+- Never commit sensitive data or credentials
+- Validate all external URLs before adding
+- Use HTML escaping for user-provided content
+- Keep dependencies updated per Gemfile
+- Follow Jekyll security best practices
+
+## Notes for Copilot
+
+- **Minimal Changes**: Make surgical, precise changes to YAML files
+- **Preserve Formatting**: Maintain existing indentation and structure
+- **Validate Schema**: Always check against the data schema before modifying
+- **Test First**: Understand existing build/test process before changes
+- **Documentation**: Update README/CONTRIBUTING if making structural changes
+- **Focus**: This project is specifically about testing conferences - don't include general tech conferences