Who is this event for?

The 1A Auditor Summit is built for existing and prospective citizen auditors, First Amendment auditing practitioners, transparency creators, citizen journalists, public records users, civil rights advocates, legal observers, attorneys, students, sponsors, media partners, and everyday citizens who want to understand the right to record, Fourth Amendment rights, and what to do during police encounters and public building audits.

Is this legal advice?

No. The Summit is educational. Faculty teach general principles, practical habits, and accountability workflows — but nothing said on stage, in workshops, or on this site is legal advice for your specific situation. Recording laws, public records statutes, and search-and-seizure rules vary by jurisdiction. For your situation, consult qualified counsel.

What does "auditing" mean here?

In our context, First Amendment auditing is lawful citizen observation and documentation of government activity in public — exercising the right to record on sidewalks, in public meetings, in lobbies of public buildings, and other public forums. Public building audits, traffic stop documentation, and police encounter recording are part of this practice. It includes public records requests, bodycam requests, complaint filing, and publishing responsibly. We do not teach trespass, obstruction, harassment, doxxing, or staged confrontation.

Can beginners attend?

Yes — beginners are part of why this Summit exists. We offer a disciplined on-ramp covering rights basics, scenario practice, equipment choices, records-request fundamentals, and safety expectations. Many attendees are people who have watched audit content for years and are ready to learn the underlying skills before recording on their own.

Is there a livestream option?

Yes. Livestream tickets give access to all main-stage sessions plus selected workshops, with a 30-day post-event replay window. See the Tickets page for details.

Is the event safe? What about the field practice block?

The Summit prioritizes safety. The classroom and workshop portions are standard conference format. The optional Take It to the Streets field block is structured as a guided learning lab — small groups, group leads, checklists, meeting points, and a code of conduct. Police recording is treated as lawful documentation when public duties are naturally encountered, not as a manufactured confrontation. Field practice is opt-in.

What are the recording rules during the Summit itself?

Attendees may record general session footage of themselves, their groups, and public spaces, subject to venue policy. Recording closed-door workshops, sponsor lounges, or private conversations requires consent. Speakers' permissions for recording their sessions will be communicated in advance. Don't record private citizens in private settings.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are refundable on a sliding scale: full refund (less Eventbrite fees) more than 60 days out; 50% refund or transfer 30–60 days out; transfer-only within 30 days. Special exceptions are considered for medical and emergency situations. The live Eventbrite listing carries the final policy.

Are scholarships available?

Yes. A limited number of scholarship passes are reserved each year for students, low-income attendees, and first-time auditors, supported by Scholarship Partners. Apply via the Contact page.

Is the Summit politically partisan?

No. The First and Fourth Amendments protect people across the political spectrum. The Summit is rights-first, not party-first, and welcomes attendees from across political and ideological backgrounds.

Can I bring my crew or co-host?

Yes — group rates are available for newsrooms, civic organizations, and accountability networks. Contact us for a group quote.

How do I become a sponsor or media partner?

See the Sponsors page for packages and inquiry form, or the Media Partners page to apply for press credentials and partnership benefits.

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