Finding My Nerd Family

By: Nerd on the Run Els

My definition of the word family has really expanded in the last couple of years.  The word has morphed into something I have a hard time explaining... but please bear with me, for I am going to try.

It all started with a show called "Chuck."  It really is as simple as that.  I fell in love with a show, and it quickly became my favorite series of all time.  Little did I know that becoming invested in a TV series would lead me down the path that it has.  Spoiler alert, it's one freakin' awesome path. 

Becoming a fan of Zachary Levi, I became interested in the amazing party he throws every year during Comic Con, Nerd HQ.  Reading other's stories only encouraged me further to attend the 4 day event.  Loving nerd culture in general, I also wanted to attend San Diego Comic Con in conjunction with HQ.  Only the first time I tried for SDCC tickets, I was unsuccessful.  But I decided to take a risk anyway, and book my flight and hotel to attend Nerd HQ.  And let me tell you, that was one of the best decisions I've ever made.  I became more involved on Twitter, and quickly found a ton of nice people who were also HQers.  I even met the entire Nerdy Girlie team through Twitter!  (Something I am soooo grateful for.)  I always thought forging friendships through social media was odd... but I can say with full confidence that some of the best relationships I have today were first formed via social media. 

Already making awesome friendships from the first HQ I attended, I couldn't wait for the next Nerd HQ.  This was the year that the #IWantMyNerdHQ campaign ran, and I met an amazing group of guys and gals who are just the sweetest, most beautiful souls I've had the pleasure of knowing.  Needless to say, this past HQ was my favorite not because of the celebrities I saw, but because I got to connect with my friends.  

The people I have met through Zachary Levi and his company, The Nerd Machine, have blessed me beyond measure.  I have laugh, cried, and danced my face off with these people.  I've opened my heart and been vulnerable - sharing important yet hard milestones of my life.  I've felt an immense amount of love, generosity, and kindness.  These people make me laugh on a daily basis, and there isn't one day that goes by where I don't feel their love and friendship. 

I never thought I could have so many deep & meaningful relationships just from having a common interest in a TV series.  Thank you, Zac, for creating this tight community of nerds who genuinely love each other.  We owe you so so much. 

Nerd HQ 2015 Wrap Up

By: Nerd on the Run Els

Confession: I only spent about 2-3 hours at Comic-Con this year.  If you needed to find me, the place I spent the most time was Nerd HQ.  It’s no secret that Nerd HQ has a special place in my heart. And this year, my con experience wasn’t so much about the celebrities & panels as it was more about the people. I’ve met life-long friends specifically through Nerd HQ, and so my heart just feels that pull every July to be there and make that a priority. I always adore HQ, and this year was no different. 

The New Children’s Museum was the venue this year – and I loved it. The Nerd Machine had the entire 3 floors of the building to create a haven for nerds. The bottom floor was for the Conversations for a Cause (which you can see on the Nerd Machine’s YouTube page), the main floor for hanging out, taking photos, and dancing, while the top floor was devoted to gaming.  Again, HQ was FREE to enter, and any Conversation ticket or Smiles for Smiles went to Operation Smile.  

I was lucky this year and scored 5 different Conversations for a Cause:  Zac Levi, Mr. Robot, Nathan Fillion, Badass Women, and The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials. Again, the tickets were $22 and all proceeds went to Operation Smile. With every sold out panel, 16 children will now be able to smile freely. THAT’S INCREDIBLE. There were so many panels this year, and some panelists included: Joss Whedon, Supernatural, The Last Ship, William Shatner, and the founders of Operation Smile (I encourage you to check that one out.)  

There were also many old & new faces at the photo booths for Smiles for Smiles this year. Staples like Yvonne Strahovski, Nathan Fillion, and Alan Tudyk were around and some new faces like Hayley Atwell, Clark Gregg, Tyler Posey, and the cast of Con Man joined in on the photo booth fun. Unfortunately, Zac didn’t have a Smiles photo opportunity this year – but folks... he was BUSY. I know if he could have squeezed any more time in his day to do one, he would have. But there is always next year if you missed out to meet the incredible Mr. Levi. 

This year there were TWO nerd parties – and they were EPIC.  I went to both this year, and each night was incredibly fun.  It was great to let loose and blow off some steam and just HAVE FUN.  And bonus, a bunch of celebs would often come down to the dance floor and party with us nerds.  But for future HQ parties I have a general plea:  please DO NOT record/take a pic if a celebrity decides to join you on the dance floor.  PLEASE.  They are there to have fun and blow off steam too... and wouldn’t you rather DANCE with your favorite celebrity than take a blurry picture of it?  I know I would!  Everyone is way more comfortable if phones aren’t always out and everyone can just dance together.  I know it’s tempting, but just try and enjoy the memory instead of getting in someone’s face with your phone.  Trust me, you’ll remember the moment! 

Overall I think everything worked really smoothly at HQ this year. The RFID tags worked SO MUCH BETTER than last year and the registration process was generally efficient and easy. The app seemed to be less glitchy and every announcement was either tweeted out or had a push notification on the app. No stadium seating for the Conversations were a bit of a bummer, but they did have TVs in the panel room broadcasting if you couldn’t see. While last year felt a bit crowded at Petco, this year had more of a relaxed/hang out vibe. It wasn’t complete wall to wall people (although traffic was steady) and you truly felt like you could sit on a couch, charge your phone, and chat with people.  

Like I said, for me, this year wasn’t about the celebrities... it was about so so much more.  Last week was about reconnecting and strengthening bonds with friends, giving to an amazing organization, having FUN, and forgetting the outside world for a while.

I haven't felt like I've truly been able to just breathe and let loose in a long time. But HQ was so good for my soul. It changed me yet again. Thank you, nerds... thank you for laughing with me, smiling with me, giving EPIC hugs, crying with me, and dancin’ with me. You all made this a damn near perfect trip. 

It costs nothing to be kind, and I have been blessed beyond measure.  <3 

I hope your Nerd HQ experience was just as amazing as mine.  Onward to NerdHq 2016!  As always, thank you for reading! Xoxo

FIT Your FANDOM

By: Nerd On The Run Els

Let's face it... exercise can be boring.  Being a regular at the gym, I can easily get into a exercise routine.. but that doesn't mean I always love it.  The new year's resolutions have come and gone, and you may be looking for a way back into getting more fit & healthy.  Well the path to better health doesn't always have to be boring!  Here are some ways to nerdify your workouts to make exercise a little more fun!

1.  Bring your favorite fandom to the gym!

Luckily, most of my favorite shows are on Netflix. So before leaving the house, I grab my iPad and put on a show once I'm settled on a cardio machine.  If I feel like spending more time on cardio that day, I'll throw on a favorite episode of Chuck.  If I want to spend more time in the weight room, usually I'll put a 20 minute sitcom on.  It's a nice break from listening to music and being invested in a story can make the time go faster.  Audio books (or bringing a book) is another great way to break up the gym monotony.  There are a lot of great series out there, and what better way to get some reading time in while doing something to better yourself!?

2.  Themed exercise!

The fitness industry is beginning to catch up to us nerds.  There are Zombie 5Ks, an Avenger half marathon, and even a Disney half marathon.  Or maybe instead of  running, you want to bulk up and look like the Arrow.  There are detailed workout plans to help you have that body.  Even LARPING could be considered an exercise! Find whatever fits your nerdy style and see if there is an exercise event that corresponds! And even if there aren't already themed activities.. that's okay.. because you (and some of your nerdy friends) can MAKE themes! Go to Zumba and represent your favorite Marvel character by creating a shirt with your favorite hero on it.  There are also some great nerdy tees/socks/headbands that you can wear to show off what fandoms you are a part of!  Show your nerd pride even at the gym! 

3.  Workout while watching TV from HOME!

Every time Sheldon says "Bazinga!" do 10 sit-ups.  Whenever they do a flashback on Arrow, do a set of lunges.  These are a just a couple examples of simple workouts you can CREATE while watching a show from your living room!  Find a recurring theme/line/joke in your favorite show, and assign an exercise to it.  That way, when you are catching up on said show, you can get a little workout in.  And if you are watching the show live, you can even create a series of exercises to do during the commercials! 

These are just SOME ideas on how to incorporate your favorite nerdy thing into a healthier lifestyle.  What are some of YOUR ideas?  I always love getting new ways to fit my fandoms into my workout routine and  I would LOVE to hear more!  Comment below.  And as always, thank you for reading.  Xoxo.

5 Running Tips + Nerd on the Run’s Running Origin Story

By:  Nerd on the Run Els

I was never a runner.  I always complained on gym day when we had to run a mile.  I was the one walking most of it and mumbling under my breath on how much I hated running.  

Fast forward to college.  I began to realize the benefits of working out more consistently then I had in the past.  It all started with a Zumba class at the school’s recreation center, and seeing the little changes in my physical appearance over time motivated me to do more.  I began to see gym time as more of a lifestyle than something to check off my to do list for the week.  I was always the girl who wanted to run, but never seemed as though I could have the stamina or will-power.  So instead I just complained when I was forced to participate in anything running related.  But after becoming more in-shape, I thought about giving running another chance.  What got me truly serious was an advertisement for The Color Run during a Pinterest-binge-instead-of-studying session.  A run that doused color-y cornstarch on you and touted to be the ‘happiest 5k on the planet?’  That might be fun, and there was one in Denver.  My runner-and-all-inspiring bestie signed up with me and it was far enough away for me to train for it.

A friend recommended a running program for beginners, Couch to 5K.  So I looked into it, slightly skeptical about being able to run 3.1 miles straight in just 9 weeks.  (Folks, I repeat, I was not a runner!  I couldn't muster enough energy to complete even a mile.)  But having already signed up for race, this was my best shot.  The program starts off with painstaking intervals and gradually builds you to running more than walking.  This program, was a Godsend, I cannot recommend it enough.  In shorter time than the program promised, I was running the 3.1 miles at the gym.  However corny it sounds, I’ll never forget the day I ran two whole miles on my own without stopping to walk.  At the time it was the farthest I had ever run, it felt incredible.  I had accomplished something I hadn’t done before, something I thought I could never do.  I experienced that runner's high that I thought was bogus.  I knew after that day I would always want more from running.  And ever since, I strive to run faster and farther than my previous bests.  I am happily addicted.

The question I get the MOST whenever I talk about running is why?  Why would I want to put myself through that?  It hurts.  It isn’t fun.  I’ll only run if I’m being chased.  A couple years ago, I would have been the leader of that parade.  Today my perspective on running has shifted completely.  I am a worrier, I get frazzled easily and I let stress get to me.  My previous go-to to deal with those kinds of emotions was either a  complete breakdown or stuffing my face with chocolate.  Now if I feel overwhelmed I go for a run.  My brain is constantly thinking, but when I run my brain shuts off.  I mean completely shuts off.

Think of having an internet browser with a gazillion tabs open all the time, then closing all those tabs at once for an hour.  I can be thinking of absolutely nothing when I am running.  I can focus on the music (and sometimes sing along.  Sorry other treadmill and gym going people!) or stare vacantly and realize later that my legs have already clocked a few miles.  It’s a gift.  If I’m having a bad day running is my escape, something physical to alleviate whatever inner battle I am having with myself.  If I’m having a good day, running just makes its better.

Sure, running isn’t always fun.  Sometimes it hurts a lot.  Sometimes I don’t run fast.  Sometimes I run a half a mile and don’t think I can take one more step or ever want to run again.  But something always brings me back.  I’m always thinking about the next run.  I’ve improved since I’ve started, completing distances I honestly thought I would never achieve.  And I always want to keep improving.  I want to have those 13.1 and 26.2  stickers on my car.  I want to be that seventy year old at the gym who still runs.  I just want to run.  I am happy to say that even though I’m not the best by a long shot, I’m still a runner.  I will always be a runner. 

5 Running Tips:

• Couch to 5K is an excellent tool for those who were like me and didn’t run at all.  This program (you can even download the app version) will gradually build your running distance and confidence!
• Don’t get discouraged.  It’s tough to begin running and it’s sometimes tough to maintain running.  I have days or even weeks of bad runs.  But that’s okay!  You will have better runs in the future.
• Get proper shoes.  I can’t stress this enough!  Proper shoes are critical.  I personally love the Nike Free Run 2 shoes.  They are lightweight and conform to my feet.  If you need help getting proper shoes, there are running companies that will help you find your perfect shoe!
• Download running apps!  There are plenty of running apps to help motivate you while you run, or to track your milage. A few years ago I got the iPod nano with the Nike + app built in.  This app tracks each run, gives you all your stats, and even creates challenges you can accept to mix things up! 
• Pick YOUR kind of pump of music!  Without music, my runs would be miserable.  I love listening to music that pumps me up.  I tend to gravitate towards club music or hip hop.  BUT, my nerdiness does come out in my playlist.  I often listen to Disney songs, songs from fandoms I am a part of, or even podcasts. 

Are you a nerd for fitness or running?!  Share your stories with me in the comments below and connect with me on Twitter @nerdontherunEls.  Let's encourage each other for the year ahead!

Runaway with The Lunar Chronicles!

By:  Nerd on the Run Els

One of the things I love most about being a nerd is my unabashed adoration of books.  You will often catch me carrying my latest read around wherever I go, just in case I get a spare moment to soak up a few pages.  Lately I have been swept up in the Young Adult genre...practically reading any book that will be made into a movie or any series that is popular in the ever growing YA category.

By complete accident I found out about The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.  Her series was casually mentioned in an entertainment article and the blurb about it piqued my interest.  A futuristic twist on Disney princesses & fairy tales?  Sure!  And so I found myself at the bookstore the next day, picking up the first book in the series - Cinder.  

Cinder spins the tale of the classic Cinderella – but set in the science fiction/futuristic era.  To add even more of a twist, Cinder is a half human/half cyborg mechanic.  With the basic plot lines of the original story…the stepfamily, the ball, and catching the eye of a dashing Prince…Meyer still creates a unique world.  The additions of mysterious pasts, a rocky political climate, and a deadly disease keep the story fresh.  (Plus, if you loved Firefly...Cinder reminds me a great deal of our beloved Kaylee. And bonus, Meyer is a self proclaimed Browncoat! Squee!) 

The next book in the series, Scarlet, takes on the story of Little Red Riding Hood.  With the mysterious disappearance of Scarlet’s grandmother, she embarks on a journey to get the truth about her life, past, & family.  Scarlet enlists the help of a street fighter, Wolf, who also has secrets of his own.  Together they must face an intense expedition and formidable foes to gain answers.  Again, Marissa keeps the basics of the original story while adding her own flair.

Cress, a story about Rapunzel is the most current book in The Lunar Chronicles.  Locked in a satellite since childhood, Cress is an excellent hacker.  All she has in the rotating satellite above earth is tablets & active imagination to keep her company.  (And yes of course, she has the long untrimmed hair!)  After knowing only the space of her small confines, Cress ventures beyond her tower and goes on a thrilling & gripping adventure of self discovery and confidence.

While these are the only three books out currently, there are plans for two more by Meyer in this series.  Coming out in January 2015 is Fairest – a prequel about Queen Levana, the main villain who has overarching story arcs in each book.  And finally in November 2015, Winter (Snow White) hits shelves!  This will follow Queen Levana’s stepdaughter, and her journey to escape from Levana’s rule. 

The Lunar Chronicles is one of the best series I’ve picked up.  It is the perfect blend of nerdy AND girlie!  With sweet romances, lovable characters, intense action, and all the science fiction you can imagine – this series truly puts the twist on fairy tales in the BEST way.  And plus, Meyer is hysterical.  Her wit and ability to fashion character arcs is so refreshing.  These books are generally light-hearted and an easy read….And ones I HIGHLY recommend!

What to Expect From Nerd on the Run!

By:  Els aka Nerd On the Run

Summer is winding down, and with that comes my favorite time of year – Fall!  Over at The Nerdy Girlie we are BUSY writing about the nerdy things we LOVE! 

Being a gym rat and avid runner, I wanted to share my love of exercise with you all. I have been working on some posts to help bridge the gap between nerdy & healthy, and I am excited to share some ways to tailor your workouts to fit your fandom.  I’ll also be coming up with health tips & tricks for Cons.  We all know Cons are taxing physically – and I want to help you prepare and get in shape so when those conventions come up, you are ready to tackle them like a pro!  

Besides exercise, my passion is science.  I graduated with a degree in Biology, so prepare for some education! ;)  I will be on the lookout for anything that would catch the eye of Bruce Banner & Tony Stark, and dissect the science!  

This nerd doesn’t read just science books, though!  I try and read as often as I can, so expect some book reviews in the near future!  I just finished The Maze Runner trilogy, and am currently reading through The Lunar Chronicles.  I can’t wait to share with you my thoughts on these and future stories – books are just the best!!!

And even though San Diego Comic Con isn’t until July, that still won’t stop this nerd from talking about her favorite thing in the world: Nerd HQ.  Be on the lookout for some HQ Do’s and Don’ts as well as an interview with an HQ volunteer!  

While working on these articles will keep me busy, I still want to hear from YOU! What kind of topics would YOU like to see me write about?  Comment below & THANKS for reading! Xoxo

The Heroes’ Transformation a review

By:  Els aka Nerd on the Run

The Heroes’ Transformation by Jeff Mueller (aka The Mighty Jerd) is a three e-book bundle that equips readers with the tools for becoming a healthier individual.  The book is split up into three sections, each commenting on different aspects of health. 

The first section discusses the philosophy of transforming your body into the hero it has always been destined to become. Jeff walks through 8 crucial principles that you need to know to be victorious in the path towards health.  Each tenet is throughly explained, while providing easy tips to accomplish each principle successfully. The guide also educates the reader about the basics of food, and what you should and shouldn't be eating.

The second piece of the transformation guide delves into a key component of a healthy lifestyle: food.  A comprehensive list of kitchen essentials is given, as well as the necessary food that should become staples in the pantry & cupboards. Jeff provides numerous recipes for every meal of the day, and even offers options on how to change/flavor these meals differently.  In addition, the Jeff lists additional resources on diets and meal plans. 

The final installment of The Heroes’ Transformation provides the strategies to implement a healthy lifestyle.  Jeff gives real ideas on how to stay motivated when beginning this lifelong process.  He warns of the common pitfalls that accompany the health world, as well as offering insight about the groceries to buy and where to buy them.

As a nerd of both science and comics, I LOVED this comprehensive guide.  Jeff did an excellent job giving the facts about diet & exercise while not overwhelming the reader with unnecessary health/science jargon.  Everything is well explained but not overly verbose, and Jeff is hilarious and makes you chuckle on each page.  As an added bonus, the nerd references that are woven throughout these books made me squee & fangirl with delight.  Jeff truly accomplishes merging the fitness and nerd worlds in these e-books.   

The Heroes’ Transformation will be available September 8, 2014 on thejerd.com for ONLY $12!  You can read more tips from Jeff on his blog The Mighty Jerd and follow along with his tweets on Twitter: @themightyjerd.  If you sign up for his newsletter NOW you will be given a discount when the book is released and a free e-book The Top 7 Fitness Obstacles Newbies Face!

As a nerd how do you get your fitness on?  Comment below and let us know what you think of Jeff's book once it is released!

Nerd HQ 2014 Wrap Up by Nerd on the Run

By:  Nerd on the Run aka Els

I was fortunate enough to attend Nerd HQ for the second time this year, and it has become my favorite & most looked forward to event of San Diego Comic Con weekend! 

While Nerd HQ 2014 was similar to last year’s epic event, I believe Zac & the Nerd Machine made an even better experience this year.  And of course as with the three previous HQ’s, there was no SDCC badge required to attend, and the event was free to enter!  Here were a few AMAZING changes to 2014s Nerd HQ:

*New Tech:  The Nerd Machine launched an app (available for both Apple and Android devices) making all the Nerd HQ news & alerts for the weekend available in one place. In the beginning the app did have a few bugs, but by the time my plane landed in San Diego the app was running smoothly. And it was FANTASTIC!  

The app had listings for all the upcoming Conversations for a Cause, a place for last minute celebrity and/or panel alerts, and The Nerd Machine's Facebook/Twitter/Website easily accessible within the app. The Nerd Machine also incorporated RFID technology this year. Once you downloaded the HQ app, there was a place to register.  This free registration allowed you to connect YOUR social media and mobile device to a code that would be uniquely yours.  Upon arrival at HQ, you would show the confirmation code you registered and receive an RFID bracelet (and an awesome fancy medallion necklace).  This bracelet was awesome because if you took photos at the photo booth, you could scan the bracelet and your photos would automatically be sent to your social media sites and mobile phone.  With the tech, you could also check in for panels or at Nerd HQ itself.  While the bracelets did have a few issues, they were fixed as quickly as possible and worked well for me the rest of the weekend.  

*MORE Celeb Interactions:  There were 31 Conversations for a Cause this year, and while many panelists returned from years past, there were also new panelists added this year. Some of the conversations included:  Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Zachary Levi, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Sesame Street, Orphan Black, The Maze Runner, and Stephen Amell.  Ticket sales went roughly the same as last year, and sold out just as quickly!  There were also more Smiles for Smiles opportunities with awesome celebs this year.  Some included:  Zachary Levi, Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Nathan Fillion, Alan Tudyk, Yvonne Strahovski, Retta, Missy Peregrym, Sesame Street, and Jason Ritter.  Once again, the tickets for any Conversation for a Cause were $22 and all proceeds went to Operation Smile.  Smiles for Smiles were $20 (cash only) and also went to the charity.

*Other:  Nerd HQ is a fantastic place for celebrity interactions and intimate panels, but there was still plenty more to do!  There were green screen photo booths by Intel, a 22 minute Alien Isolation demo (you’ll have to ask The Gamer Geek about that one!), as well as time to catch up with friends and make some new ones.  

Overall, I truly believe Zac and the Nerd Machine put on an incredibly fun and successful event.  (And if you weren’t able to attend or missed a sold-out panel, the Nerd Machine has graciously put the conversations on their You Tube channel for your viewing pleasure!)  But what’s even better was that us nerds raised OVER $260,000 for Operation Smile. That is over 1000 children’s lives CHANGED forever.  I hope that Nerd HQ continues this amazing and charitable event in the years to come!!

Introducing our NEWEST The Nerdy Girlie team member: Nerd On The Run!!!

Introducing our NEWEST The Nerdy Girlie team member:  @nerdontherunEls!!!

The Nerdy Girlie team met Els for the very first time in person at 2013's SDCC.  She, The Music Maven and I had been corresponding over Twitter before the con and made a deal to meet up!  Both she and the Music Maven are Colorado girls!   We had a long time to chat and nerd out together about our love of Zachary Levi, Chuck and Fringe!  She  even joined us at the Nerd HQ Serenity screening that very night!

2013 was Els' very first SDCC and she even went it alone!  She only had a one day pass that year, so that gave her three entire days to discover everything about Zachary Levi's Nerd HQ!  Check out her tips and tricks for Nerd HQ HERE!

Els has written a few articles for us here at The Nerdy Girlie and has been an amazing friend to the entire team!  We are so happy to have her as an official team member for THIS SDCC 2014!  Make sure you say hi and welcome her to the team when you see us at SDCC this year!

I am so glad we found each other, she is such a kind and caring nerdy girlie!  Learn even more about Els in our Geek Girls Gab interview!  You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram where she will be posting all of our SDCC adventures!  Check back after SDCC for her Nerd HQ 2014 wrap up!

I Want My Nerd HQ 2014: FAQs

By:  Els

{Editor's Note:  Fun fact, Els and I met for the first time in person at 2013's SDCC!  We clicked immediately!  We walked and talked through the floor together AND met at the Nerd HQ Serenity screening.  We were insta-nerd-friends!  She spent so much time at Nerd HQ that year and is a HUGE Zac Levi fan, she is the first person I go to with all my Nerd HQ questions! }

There has been a lot of buzz about the I Want My Nerd HQ campaign over the last few weeks on social media. If you don’t know what this campaign is about or you have heard of it and still have lingering issues, here are 10 frequently asked questions (and answers!) about the current crowd-funding campaign:

What is the I Want My Nerd HQ campaign about?

Nerd HQ is a 4 day 3 night convention put on by Zachary Levi (Chuck, Tangled, Thor: TDW) and his company, The Nerd Machine. It occurs during the time of San Diego Comic Con and provides a mini convention experience. There are celebrity panels, dance parties, photo booths, and video game demos. This year, Zac needs our help. Due to scheduling conflicts with sponsors and money from sponsors not always coming through, Zac took a huge financial hit with last year’s HQ. So this year, Zac is asking the Nerd Army for a one time $5 contribution to the event to help make it possible.

Is Nerd HQ free to enter?

Yes! There is absolutely no entry fee into the venue where Nerd HQ is held (Petco Park). You can enjoy taking countless photos with friends, test out video games, and relax on couches equipped with charging stations for all your devices at no cost to you – that is all completely free. However, if you wish to attend a panel (Conversations for a Cause) or take a Smiles for Smiles photo with a celebrity, that will cost you around $20 – but 100% of the proceeds go to Operation Smile. 

Is this a non-profit event?

No. However any money generated during that weekend (with the exception of The Nerd Machine merchandise available) is donated to Operation Smile. Last year, over $200,000 was raised for charity. This event is about getting an unforgettable fan experience and bridging the gap between fans and celebrities while helping others in need.

Is a $1 Million dollar budget necessary?

According to Zac, yes. The main cost is the venue, as well as the production for the panels as well as the professional photobooths, etc. Any money we raise will be used for things we, the fans, can benefit from. That means any money raised will NOT go towards the celebrity/sponsor party that Zac has on Friday night (he will pay for that himself). But remember that Zac throws US an amazing party on Thursday night and trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

Why aren’t there incentives for the campaign?

Zac has clearly stated that the main incentive for this campaign is Nerd HQ itself. He realizes that for some people asking for a $5 donation is a lot, and does not want to make their contribution any less special. So while there are no incentives like t-shirts for donating, there are still perks. For example, if you donate to the campaign you are entered to win a Skype call from Zac. There will also be multiple perks like this coming up, so be sure to follow Zac & The Nerd Machine on twitter to get the latest.

If I can’t attend, why should I contribute?

Every panel hosted during Nerd HQ will be streamed LIVE and for FREE. That means if you can’t physically come to San Diego in July, you can still participate from anywhere around the world. You can experience the panels from your home, comfy in your pajamas. I believe this year will also feature a chance for those participating online to ask questions of the panelists!

Will NerdHQ happen this year regardless?

Baring anything totally bizarre, Zachary Levi has said Nerd HQ 2014 WILL happen.

I am not able to donate, can I still help?

Yes yes yes! Nerds have proven that we have a powerful voice. So even if you can’t donate, you can help spread the word! Share the campaign link, tell your family and friends, and reach out to those who may not have a clue about this nerd movement. 

What does this have to do with a ‘Chuck’ movie?

The success of this crowd-funding campaign does not affect whether there will a Chuck movie or not. Zac has always expressed interest in creating a Chuck movie and told us this current campaign is a litmus test. He wants to see if fans would be willing to donate to a cause with the only incentive being the actually product (Nerd HQ, Chuck movie, etc.). But the outcome of this campaign will not determine if there is a Chuck movie.

Where can I find more information if my question wasn’t answered here?

If you still have questions, concerns, doubts please check out these links:

I Want My Nerd HQ Indiegogo

U Stream with Zach Levi

Zach Levi Facebook Page

Also, follow Zachary Levi and The Nerd Machine on twitter for any additional info.

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