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.

{Comment below if you have any additional questions about San Diego Comic Con. You can also check out our San Diego Comic Con Guide for more useful tips and tricks!  If this post helped you, share please share it with your friends!}