Considered the con within the con, Nerd HQ returned for its 3rd annual event coinciding with San Diego Comic-Con July 18th through July 21st. With a star-studded array of panels for its “Conversations for a Cause” series, there were panels featuring the likes of Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Zac Levi, the SUPERNATURAL boys Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, the cast of HAVEN, Tom Hiddleston, Evangeline Lilly, the cast of “Kick-Ass 2”, and more. Created by former CHUCK star Zac Levi along with some well-chosen friends and great sponsors, Nerd HQ has become one of the most desirable events alongside the epic San Diego Comic-Con itself.
Nerd HQ is not just a series of panels (although those are quite memorable and fangasmic), it is an experience for gamers and cosplay and a safe haven for celebs for exclusive parties during the 4-day event. But it is not all just fun and games, one of the driving forces behind this event is that it is to benefit Operation Smile, a charity seeking to medically improve the lives of children born with facial birth defects. A pet project close to Zac Levi’s heart, the money raised through the event goes to Operation Smile because every child deserves the chance to experience the simple joy of smiling. The world looks upon each of us and relates to us through our facial expressions. Giving a child the ability to smile brings joy back into their lives in a way they could never express before. In case you missed it last year, here’s our exclusive interview with Zac Levi talking about the importance of helping with Operation Smile. Funds raised to benefit Operation Smile exceeded $140,000 from this year’s event.
In sum, this year’s Nerd HQ event was exciting, exhilarating, and memorable — just as it should be! All of the “Conversations for a Cause” panels can be seen via YouTube at TheNerdMachine’s exclusive channel. In addition, more information about the event can be found at The Nerd Machine website. Then fantastic photos from the Nathan Fillion/Alan Tudyk panel may be seen here. While photos from the Jared Padalecki/Jensen Ackles panel may be seen here.
Here’s to looking forward to next year’s Nerd HQ event and all the fantastic experiences it is sure to offer! 
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Tiffany Vogt is the Senior West Coast Editor, contributing as a columnist and entertainment reporter to TheTVaddict.com. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower).