Every summer has its blockbusters, but for nerd culture the real sequels, season finales, and boss‑level moments happen live—on convention floors packed with cosplayers, dev panels, and vendor halls that smell faintly of nostalgia and energy drinks. Picture the Nerdthusiast crew loading up the van, playlists blasting, dice clacking in the cup holders, and a stack of plastic badge sleeves ready to be filled. Here’s the road‑trip itinerary we drew on the whiteboard —ten post‑July‑4th conventions that promise achievement‑unlocked memories (and a few secret shortcuts to make them even better). 1. San Diego Comic‑Con International Dates:  July 24 – 27 • San Diego, CA Tickets:  Check the “Badges” section on comic‑con dot org (waves sell out fast) Why Go: the superhero Mecca, with Hall H bombshells and an off‑site campus of activations. Pro Tip: Join Comic‑Con’s verified resale wait‑list—brief windows open when fans return extras, and you can pounce without the scal...