"Free Speech, First Amendment, and New Media for Cons and Festivals" from Pop Culture Business Handbook for Cons and Festivals

This article is part of a series of book excerpts from The Pop Culture Business Handbook for Cons and Festivals , which provides the business, strategy, and legal reference guide for fan conventions, film festivals, musical festivals, and cultural events.

Although most events are organized by private parties, the location of these events in public venues and the crowd management issues involving free speech make First Amendment and free speech issues a critical component of event management. This excerpt provides a framework for understanding the legal and security issues involving free speech at public events.