Blogalicious 2010

And the winner of a FREE night @ The Ritz is ....

2010-07-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Jael Custom Designs a.k.a. Jen says:
June 19, 2010 at 7:33 pm

My #1 reason is so I know I will go no matter what if my registration is complete and I’m also saving. It’s a win win situation! Can’t wait for Carnival either, I’ll be reppin’ Jamaica hard!

Twitter Link!
http://twitter.com/JaelDesignsInc/statuses/16577703161

Jen, please contact us with your information. Congratulations!!!!!

Early bird has been extended!!!

2010-07-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

When things heat up, they can sometimes quickly cool down. We've had some technical difficulties recently with our site and we haven't been able to upload the speaker and session information that you've asked for. Therefore, our technical difficulties is your Blogalicious gain!

We're extending our early bird until July 7, 2010. Hopefully we'll get it all together and we'll have the site up and running with all the information you need to register for the best blogging conference of the 2010!

Blogalicious 2010 Sessions!!

2010-06-29T12:40:00.001-07:00

I hope that you all enjoyed our little teaser from Friday. Here's another teaser-- our Blogalicious Sessions!! Each week we will be highlighting a few speakers and some of our sessions. We will also post our full agenda soon.

Here are the sessions we have lined up so far. Remember, early bird registration ends this week, on July 1st. Don't delay!!

LIFESTYLE TRACK
1. Chronicles of Fit Divas
2. Social Media Moms
3. Best Business Practices for the Lifestyle Blogger
4. Building Your Social Media Tribe
5. Style File: Trends in Fashion & Beauty Blogging
6. Love That! Design Blogging
7. Foodies

TECHNICAL TRACK & WORKSHOPS
1. New Bloggers Guide: Blogging 101 & 201
2. Building Your Media Toolkit: Kits, Training and More
3. The Smart Girl's Guide to Smartphones & Apps
4. Twitter 201 - Creating True Engagement with 140 Characters
5. Strike a Pose: Taking Better Photos for Your Blog
6. How Important Are Your Stats?
7. CSS, HTML & Blog Design
8. Blogger's Toolbox: Platforms & Plugins
9. Vlogging 101
10. Good Blog Writing: A Workshop

ENTREPRENEURIAL TRACK
1. Marketing to Latinas
2. Making Your Blog Your Business
3. Bloggers as Brand Ambassadors
4. The Book Deal: A Guide for Bloggers
5. Self-Promotion: Be Your Own CEO

We also have a great and easy contest going on where you can win one free night at the Ritz Carlton, South Beach, our conference hotel! Check out the contest and rules here. Hurry, the contest ends July 1st!

Speakers and Sessions!

2010-06-25T20:14:00.000-07:00

We’ve been busy for Months! Weeks! Days! finalizing our speakers and sessions to ensure that we have a great agenda for you all. Although there are still a few more days to submit your speaker proposals, we would like to share a few of the fabulous sessions and speakers on our line-up. (As a reminder, you can submit your speaker proposals until June 30, 2010.)

Before I go into the details of some of our speakers, let’s do a little preview of what we have lined up for the weekend.

We have will have three breakout tracks – entrepreneurial, technical, and lifestyle.
Conference begins Friday, October 8, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. and ends Sunday at 3pm. This means more time to learn, mingle, and celebrate our diversity!
We will provide daycare for those attendees wanting to travel with their children/families.
Another great line-up of fabulous women and men!
Early bird registration ends July 1, 2010- don’t delay in registering early!

So let’s get right into it and start highlighting just some of the speakers and sessions we have planned for Blogalicious Weekend 2010!

The Session: Building Your Social Media Tribe. Learn how to promote, gather, and engage your community by women that have built and gathered their own communities. The speakers will share their social media tools, how-tos, and best practices for all those attendees that want to gather their own communities, regardless of its niche!

The Track: Lifestyle

Speaker Highlight: Ana Flores; Spanglishbaby.com

If you haven’t met Ana Flores of Spanglishbaby yet, let me introduce you to one of our favorite bloggers. Ana Flores is truly a child of two worlds. Born in Houston to parents from El Salvador, Ana grew up in El Salvador until she headed back to the U.S. to attend the University of Florida and receive a Bachelor in Telecommunications-Production. Since then she has worked as television and entertainment producer, with a specialty in the U.S. Hispanic industry, both in the U.S. and in México.

Ana and her husband moved to Los Angeles five years ago when the TV industry came calling back. They thought they had escaped it all when they moved to Playa del Carmen in México to act as irresponsible beach bums, but the offer was too tempting to pass up. Three years ago, they joyously welcomed their daughter into their bilingual and bicultural family. These days, Ana Lilian is splitting her time as a brand consultant building bridges with Latina bloggers, a freelance writer and TV producer, and dedicating precious time to her labor-of-love blog for parents raising bilingual and bicultural children: SpanglishBaby .

The Session: Bloggers as Brand Ambassadors. This session will be a hands-on workshop to train bloggers in handling the ups, downs, and unexpected of being a brand ambassador. The speakers will share three different case studies that can arise when bloggers work as brand ambassadors and will lead a conversation on possible approaches and devise the best possible solutions and outcomes. Participants will come away with tangible, useful, and lasting problem solving skills, not to mention a better understanding of the large companies and brands that retain bloggers for their marketing campaigns. Awesome!

The Track: Entrepreneurial

The Speakers: Cooper Munroe and Emily McKhann are the founders and principals of The Motherhood Creative.

Cooper spent two decades working in top tier public relations agencies in New York and Washington DC before co-founding TheMotherhood.com and TheMotherhood Creative. In addition, Cooper has written for numerous media outlets including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the HuffingtonPost, MomsRising and BlogHer.com and has been featured in several books about mothers online. She lives in Pittsburgh, PA with her husband and their four children where they are active in their community and spend far too much time carpooling to and from sporting events.

Emily ran corporate public relations firms in New York and Dallas for clients CBS, Scholastic, Frito-Lay, Morgan Stanley and others, and was Director of International Business and Acting Commissioner to the United Nations and Consular Corps for New York City. She co-authored the book Living with the End in Mind, published by Crown Books and featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show numerous times. She has written for BlogHer and MomsRising and several books and anthologies. Emily lives in Larchmont, NY, with her husband, two girls and their hyper-active dog.

The Session: Self-Promotion: Be your own C.E.O. Bloggers will learn how to start, manage, and build their own company.

The Track: Entrepreneurial

The Speaker: Lucinda Cross; CorporateMomDropouts.com

Lucinda Cross is a speaker and author and founder of Corporate Mom Dropouts, blog, radio show and book. For several years, she has made it her life’s mission to uplift, inspire and change people’s lives. She likes to call herself a catalyst for motivation, passion and high energy and has worked with small business owners supporting them to work on their business and not in their business, and women who were interested in learning how to work from home and take charge and create the life they love.

Lucinda has created a highly successful marketing implementation company for small business owners. She is also the creator of several successful programs such as Marketing Made Easy for Corporate Mom Dropouts, I Want More: 6-Figure Mom Marketing Implementation Kit.

Her life has been filled with wonderful experiences – from being a single mother, to a Mompreneur, sharing her gifts as a marketing strategist, mentor and writer she uses that wisdom and insight to motivate moms to create a better life, a better community and a better business. She has been featured in New York Enterprise, Black Star News, Harlem News, 1600am, LA Business Week, Essence Magazine, several Internet Radio shows.

June's sizzling with events

2010-06-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2010

We are thrilled that the awesomely fabulous ladies of The CleverGirls Collective will be hosting The Bay Area Blogalicious Mixer...

What is the Blogalicious Mixer, you ask? It's a good time. It's a bloggy get-together. It's social media soiree. It's an opportunity to meet with fellow female friends (of the online variety) to enjoy delicious treats, cocktails, and each other's sparkling company. Plus some good, old fashioned swag.
The Blogalicious Mixer is an intimate afternoon of wine, women, and blogs, celebrating the diversity of women of all ethnicities in social media.
Above all, the Blogalicious Mixer is a party! You'll enjoy:

* An afternoon in one of San Francisco's most celebrated event locales
* Delicious snacks of the healthy and chocolate varieties
* A hosted wine bar
* Gift bags
* Celebrity guest, Kim Coles

This event is free to attend but space is extremely limited, so please register here as soon as possible!

June 13, 2010

Blogalicious will be heating up Chicago in June. Join us for an afternoon of relaxation and fun. Come to connect with old bloggy friends; come to make new ones; come for an afternoon away from the kids; come for an outing with the kids. It doesn't matter what the reason; just come and enjoy! Light refreshments will be provided, and kids are welcome. The event is free, but space is limited so please RSVP today.

Heating up Chicago is sponsored by:

June 19th, 2010

Blogalicious and The Red Pump Project are teaming up for what promises to be a fun-filled night. We invite you to Say RED: Cocktails and Conversations in celebration of the Blogging While Brown conference, Juneteenth and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS - the perfect combination! There's one requirement though - you MUST wear red pumps. It's not that difficult and it's super fab. If you don't have red pumps, we're giving you 2 weeks to get a pair (and if you can't swing pumps after a day of conferencing, we totally understand, so we'll take red shoes:).

We are still finalizing the location, but make sure to RSVP because space will be limited.

Win a Free Night at the Ritz- It's Easy!

2010-05-27T09:34:00.000-07:00

There are so many reasons why South Beach is a great place to hold the second annual Blogalicious Weekend Conference that we decided to try and list them all, right here! Let's face it, between the possible celebrity sightings, to the fabulous restaurants, and beautiful beaches, South Beach is hot and sexy. Let's not forget the surrounding Miami neighborhoods that offer an eclectic mix of urban lifestyle living and traditional Latin flavors. I mean really, is there a better place to hold a conference? Not just any conference, but a Blogalicious conference.

We don't think so! And based on the standing ovation you guys gave us last year when we announced Miami as our next location, we think you all agree - Miami is it!

But aside from all the great things about Miami, how about all the great reasons why registering for Blogalicious before our early bird prices end on July 1st is a great idea?

When you combine the great things about Miami and the reasons why you have to register early, we've got our very own Top Ten list!

Here are the Top Ten Reasons to Register Early for Blogalicious 2010

1. When you watch the next episode of Basketball Wives, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that you too, will have a chance to visit the same restaurants, boutiques, and hotel as Evelyn, Jennifer, Suzie, and the rest of the gals. You might even spot one of the gals since the second season was just picked up by VH1.

2. You'll save $65.00 on registration which equals two mango mojitos, a nice Cuban dinner, and Cuban dessert at a great South Beach restaurant.

3. You won't end up on the waiting list because Blogalicious 2010 WILL.sell.out. We've doubled attendance this year but passes are going fast.

4. You already booked your room at the Ritz, so go ahead and register!

5. The "I'm Going to Blogalicious" badge is not only a cute accessory to your blog, but another way to let everyone know you are going to hottest conference this year. Woot!

6. The early flamingo catches the Blogalicious worm. You'll start to get exclusive, attendee insider tips, news, and benefits so don't miss out!

7. Registering is already on your to-do list so register today and scratch that sucker off- done!

8. You don't want to spend your Blogalicious money on your summer vacation with the family, boyfriend, girlfriend, your dog, or whomever.

9. Will Smith said it best in 1998, "Bienviendo a Miami... [it's] the city that keeps the roof blazing!"

10. When will you ever have another chance to stay at a luxury South Beach hotel like the Ritz Carlton for only $199 a night?!

So here is what we are doing. We are holding a contest where you can enter for a chance to win one free night at the Ritz Carlton, South Beach. That's a prize value of $199, plus taxes.

Here's all you have to do to enter to win one free night:

1) Tweet your reason why registering for Blogalicious before the early bird is a fabulous idea. We've listed our reasons above as an example. Be sure to use the hashtag #blogalicious10 in your Tweets.

2) Leave us a comment with your reason(s) in this post and provide a link to your tweet so that we know you did it. One entry for every unique tweet and comment!

3) Get two entries for every unique post on your blog. Like Rule #2 above, leave us a comment here so we know you did it.

Additional rules: You don't have to be registered for the conference to enter this contest, but you must be registered by 11:59 pm July 1, 2010 to win. If you are not registered by July 1, 2010 you can't claim your prize and we'll give your night to the next winner! You must also claim your prize by 5:00 PM EST on July 12, 2010.

One winner will be selected at random and announced on Friday, July 2, 2010.

So what's your reason!?

Recap of Blogalicious DC Meetup: Creating Your Digital Footprint

2010-05-09T18:43:00.000-07:00

The second Blogalicious DC Meetup was another great event. Our speakers, Terri Holley, Scrappin’ Michele,ProMomBlogger and moderator Ananda Leeke shared advice, tips and priceless information on Creating Your Digital Footprint with our enthusiastic audience. Everyone in attendance also received an impromptu tutorial on Foursquare 101! The discussion was so lively and informative that we quickly ran out of time. These ladies were so energized to continue the conversation that they took to the sidewalk to chat…Next time we’ll have to plan for an afterparty!

Thanks to the Washington, DC Economic Partnership for lending us their swank space for our event, as well as to Niambi Jarvis and the DC Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives, and Food Arts DC for the delectable refreshments.

If you missed the event, don’t worry – you can check out photos here.

Stay tuned for a meetup in your neck of the woods soon!

Blogalicious DC: Sex and the City II Movie Night {UPDATED}

2010-05-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Wow! The 7pm movie on 5/27 is SOLD OUT! If you weren't able to get your ticket, no worries. Come on out and meet us at Zengo for happy hour at 5pm! We'll be networking, chatting and mingling in our Blogalicious fabulousness.

Carrie and her girls are back!

Join the Blogalicious DC community on Thursday, May 27, 2010 for a night out to celebrate spring, girl power, and each other. We'll be meeting at the bar at Zengo at 5pm for Happy Hour and then heading over to watch the 7pm show at Regal Gallery Place Stadium 14.

You MUST PRE-ORDER your tickets to guarantee admission to the movie. Click here to purchase your movie tickets from Fandango. Make sure to purchase a ticket for the 7PM SHOW ON MAY 27th.

Gather your best girlfriends and get Blogalicious!

Blogalicious 2010 Sponsored Blogger Policy

2010-05-05T12:11:00.001-07:00

It’s very important to us that the Blogalicious Weekend conferences remain as accessible as possible to the bloggers that want to attend. For this reason, we make it a priority to keep the registration costs as low as possible, the hotel room rates as reasonable as possible, and to offer important extras – like sharing a Family-Friendly Area Guide with conference attendees beforehand, assisting attendees with finding a roommate, and providing free childcare to those parents are attending Blogalicious with their little ones in tow.

Still, we recognize that some bloggers may want or need to have their Blogalicious Weekend registration and trip expenses sponsored by a company that they have a working relationship with. That’s a-ok with us and we are more than happy to know that brands are recognizing our importance as ambassadors for their products and services. That said, we have to make sure that the Official Blogalicious Weekend Sponsors are not overshadowed by the companies sponsoring individual bloggers (“unofficial sponsors”). To make sure that everyone is happy and that our Official Sponsors get their due, we have put together these guidelines for bloggers seeking individual sponsorship to Blogalicious Weekend 2010:

Ø You may not represent yourself as an official representative of Blogalicious in order to secure individual sponsorship to the conference.

Ø No swag, gifts or materials from unofficial sponsors may be distributed or posted within the conference space, directly or indirectly.

Ø You may not use the Blogalicious Weekend 2010 room block to secure a room to host a private event for your sponsor.

Ø Any private events hosted by/for your sponsor must not conflict with the Official Conference Agenda.

Ø If you are working with a company that is interested in becoming an Official Blogalicious Weekend Sponsor, please have them contact us at: sponsors@blogaliciousweekend.com We’d love to have them!

Questions? Email us at: info@blogaliciousweekend.com

Paying It Forward

2010-04-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

Image Credit: The Research Goddess

Jonesie, Ny and I are firm believers in putting out into the universe what we hope to receive. And, we like to conduct business that way. This includes “paying it forward” by lifting up others in recognition of those who lifted us up. Do I sound sappy enough yet? I say all of this, because it’s the truth!

We were contacted awhile back by the wonderful Research Goddess, Amybeth Hale, who was writing a story about “media professionals to watch,” and we were honored and humbled to learn that Elisa Camhort-Page of BlogHer had given our names as women to be featured in the story. {I especially love how she came up with the idea in the first place.}

You can link to the original story on Mashable here and the expanded story on the Research Goddess’ site here, but that’s not the point of me posting. What I really wanted to do is acknowledge the importance of paying it forward to those around you. In this day and age, when so much of social media is clouded with negative publicity and pitting various groups against each other, it is so heartwarming to know that, at the core of the medium, community and relationships remain the driving force. So thanks (again) to Elisa and Amybeth!

Who would you lift up to pay it forward?

Blogalicious DC - Women in Social Media: Creating Your Digital Footprint

2010-04-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

Due to the overwhelming success of the February Blogalicious, D.C. meet-up, Blogalicious is hosting another event for new and beginning bloggers and women in social media entitled Women in Social Media: Creating Your Digital Footprint. The purpose of the event is to bring together a multicultural community of women who are interested in building their digital footprint online and getting strategies on how to create an online identity.

Blogalicious D.C. meet up is scheduled for April 27, 2010 at 5:30 p.m. at the Washington, DC Economic Partnership located at 1495 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. To RSVP, please click HERE.

Terri Holley and Michele McGraw will be speaking at the event and Ananda Leeke will be the moderator.

Terri Holley is CEO and principal of Creative Blog Solutions. Terri is also a contributor to Women Grow Business, recently recognized by Forbes magazine as one the best marketing and social media blogs written by women. She is the host of the Social Media Voices Project, a podcast that spotlights the leadership techniques of nationally recognized authors, speakers, social media strategists, and interactive marketers.

Michele McGraw is CEO of Mom Geek Media and creator of ScrapsofMyGeekLife.com, offering daily commentary, advice, reviews and shared experiences of how her real life and the digital domain connect. Michele previously served as a Director of Internet Services and board member of Mothers & More providing online support for a national website, forum and e-mail support groups. She is currently serving as an Ambassador for the Mom Bloggers Clubto provide support and information for Mom Bloggers. Michele also works as Community Manager and Director of Social Media for a new start-up company, FormerFatChick.com. Follow Michele on Twitter at http://twitter.com/scrappinmichele.

Anande Leekeis a lawyer turned innerpreneur, author, artist, DC Social Media Examiner for Examiner.comand yoga teacher. Since 2009, Leeke has been teaching online yoga classes for computer users on Stickam.com and MomTV.She also taught yoga at social media conferences such as Blogalicious, She's Geeky DC, and Latinos in Social Media. She spoke about the way authors use social media to build their audience and market books at the Capital Bookfest.

Event Agenda

5:30 – 6:00 Networking

6:00 – 6:45 Panel Discussion

6:45 – 7:00 Q & A

Blogalicious @ BlogHer - I'm in a Bloggy State of Mind

2010-04-12T09:00:00.000-07:00

The excitement about Blogalicious has been building ever since last October when Blogalicious Weekend 2009 was over. Folks have been buying tickets, exchanging numbers, booking hotel rooms, finding roommates and just looking forward to seeing each other again. We're all pretty psyched about Miami and all the fabulousness that South Beach will add to the conference.

But, if you can't wait until Miami to re-connect with all your friends IRL, then you MUST join us at BlogHer in New York City this summer. Blogalicious, in conjunction with BlogHer, is hosting one of BlogHer's official community parties during the conference and it's going.to.be.pretty.awesome!

When you think about a song that epitomizes New York City, don't you just think of "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' rendition of "Empire State of Mind"? Big lights, city streets, cocktails and we can now add....Blogalicious ladies.

We invite you to join us for a night of dancing, cocktails and just plain ole fun as we revel in a "Bloggy State of Mind."

If you're already registered for BlogHer (either a Full Conference pass, Saturday-only pass or a Party pass) please RSVP to reserve your spot on the guest list for this party. The list is open to any registered BlogHer attendee and we can't wait to hang out with you. Please RSVP here.

We hope to see you in August and can't wait for the BlogHer party of the year. If you'd like to sport some blog bling, here are your badges.

90 Days!

2010-04-03T06:09:00.000-07:00

Early Bird Registration for Blogalicious 2010 closes in less than 90 days! Don't wait until the last minute to register; the conference will sell out and you definitely want to be there.

Questions? Email: info@blogaliciousweekend.com or check our out FAQs on the conference website.

Quick Announcements re Blogalicious 2010

2010-03-13T20:16:00.001-08:00

Seven months to go! We've already been getting lots of questions from those of you getting a leg up on planning your trip to Blogalicious 2010. We love the enthusiasm! Here are a couple things to assist you in your planning:

1 - Is it true that this year's conference is 3 FULL days?

Why YES it is! We heard your feedback loud and clear that you wanted more time for sessions, networking and hands-on seminars. In order to maximize your experience, we decided to begin this year's conference on Friday morning and go through until Sunday evening. Hopefully this allows you to dig your heels in and get everything you want out of the weekend without affecting your travel plans. Bonus - for many of us, Monday, October 11 is a holiday!

2 - When (and how) can I reserve my hotel room for Blogalicious 2010?

The Blogalicious hotel room block at the chic Ritz Carlton-South Beach is now open. We are excited to offer you a competitive rate of $199/nt starting the Thursday night prior to the conference through the following Monday. Feel free to request a room with 2 double beds to share the cost with bloggy friends. You can connect with potential roommates on our Big Tent forum. Or pamper yourself with a room all to yourself.

To reserve by telephone, call 305.671.2609 or 1.800.241.3333 and reference group name (MamaLaw/ Blogalicious), and event dates.

To reserve online, go to:
http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/SouthBeach/Rooms/Default.htm. To apply the discount select “Optional information”, and in the field entitled “Group code” enter MMLMMLA

You will not be charged to reserve your room.

Any questions? Send us an email to: info(at)blogaliciousweekend(dot)com or leave us a comment.

Reminder: Early Bird Registration is open!

Connect, Chat, Share, Learn: Join Our Forum!

2010-03-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since we've mentioned our online forum for the Blogalicious community, and thought now was a great time to remind everyone about it!

Our BigTent group is a place for you to connect with one another, bounce ideas off of each other and engage in all kinds of useful discussions with your fellow bloggers. The forum is also a great way to stay up to date on Blogalicious news and announcements. You'll be the first to know about opportunities, events and have the chance to shape our conference programming and other activities. You can also find roommates for Blogalicious 2010; figure out carpools; find out what to pack and other useful tidbits. We also post event photos and files for you to view and download - like our conference speaker and webinar instructor presentations. It's free and takes only seconds to sign up.

So c'mon and join us!

Download BlogaBytes # 4 - Tax Tips for Your Blog

2010-03-11T17:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks once again to Shannon Nash for conducting last night's webinar "Tax Tips for Your Blog". It was chock-full of information that was extremely useful for anyone that blogs as a business.

If you would like to download the presentation for review, please click here.

Please make sure to contact Shannon with any questions that you may have. Visit her site at shannonnash.com or on Twitter @shannonnash

Ask us anything!

2010-03-08T14:24:00.001-08:00

Ask us anything!

Recap from BlogaBytes Webinar #3 - How to be #1 on Google

2010-03-05T07:12:00.001-08:00

Thank you for attending our webinar last Thursdaay with awesome instructor Adria Richards on “How to be #1 on Google without Paying a Small Fortune.”

Please take a moment to complete a short survey (here) and let us know what you thought.

Links for Attendees of this session
Google Analytics Signup - http://google.com/analytics
Wordpress.org is the self-hosted version of Wordpress requiring a domain name and hosting - http://wordpress.org
Copyblogger, resource for writing great content for the web - http://copyblogger.com
What is SEO? Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization
What is Google Page Rank? Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_page_rank

Links to Adria's content
Adria's training website for blogging and SEO - http://freshworkshops.com
Original show on this topic at AskAdria, How To Be #1 On The Google Without Spending A Small Fortune - http://bit.ly/Y5liP
Adria's tech blog - http://butyoureagirl.com
Adria weekly technology show - http://askadria.com

Contact Info for Attendees
You can contact Adria via her website at http://freshworkshops.com/contact
Via Email adria.richards@freshworkshops.com
Via Twitter http://twitter.com/adriarichards
By Phone 612-246-4568

Blogalicious Bytes Webinar # 4 - Tax Tips for Your blog

2010-03-03T07:45:00.000-08:00

April 15th is fast approaching and we all have to get it together (really, scramble) to do our taxes in time. If you make any money from your blog, then you will most definitely want to attend our Blogalicious Bytes FREE webinar "Tax Tips for Your Blog" with Tax Attorney, CPA Shannon Nash. Shannon will walk you through what you will have to do to be IRS-compliant.

We've squeezed in a webinar on March 10th @ 9:00 pm so you can be equipped with the necessary information to get it right! Please register HERE and we look forward to joining you next Wednesday night.

A little more about Shannon

Shannon King Nash is a CPA, Attorney, Author and Entrepreneur. She is the President of the Nash Management Group, an entertainment and business management firm based in Los Angeles and Atlanta that represents entertainers, producers, foundations, high net-worth individuals and companies. She is also a partner with Atlanta based, Register Lett LLP, a boutique law firm specializing in entertainment, media and intellectual property law.

Shannon was Senior Counsel for Amgen Inc., where she worked at both its US headquarters in California and its European headquarters in Switzerland. She was responsible for contracting/procurement, compliance, international tax, and federal and state income tax audits and appeals. Shannon was also counsel to the Amgen Foundation.

Prior to Amgen, Shannon was a Tax and Corporate Associate with Cooley Godward Kronish LLP (formerly Cooley Godward LLP) and K&L Gates LLP (formerly Kirkpatrick and Lockhart LLP), where she concentrated on corporate and partnership taxation, venture capital fund formation and operations, mergers and acquisitions, trusts and estates, and nonprofit organizations.

Shannon is the author of the award winning book, "For the Love of Money: The 411 to Taking Control of Your Taxes and Building Your Net Worth.” This practical financial empowerment book uses popular songs (from Marvin Gaye to Snoop Dog) to teach valuable finance and tax lessons. She also wrote the "Vault Guide to Tax Law Careers," and "Helping the Nonprofit Client."

Shannon received her BS in Accounting from the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce and her JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. Her website is www.nashgroup-usa.com and you can find her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/shannonnash.

Social media star Priscilla Renea

2010-02-27T18:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who attended Blogalicious 2009, you had the distinct pleasure of hearing Priscilla Renea before her album was released. I heard her again today at an event I attended in DC. I didn't realize that she started off on YouTube (just like Justin Bieber), so here's an artist that is from social media and is using social media to share her talent. Please support her by following her on Twitter @priscillarenea and getting her cd. Here's a clip from YouTube and check out her website.

Trends in Social Media

2010-02-26T18:00:00.000-08:00

We're in the thick of crafting our conference program for Blogalicious Weekend 2010 and we're curious to hear what you think are the hot trends right now in social media. Is it personal branding? Is it mobile? Is it {still} Twitter? Leave us a comment and let us know what you think.

Blogalicious DC Event Recap

2010-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

Our first Blogalicious Meetup was a success! Last Wednesday, about 100 women bloggers attended our first local event at the National Council of La Raza. The camaraderie was fantastic, the speakers were enlightening, and the evening left us full of promise for what is now a bonafide Blogalicious DC network. Thanks again to Xina Eiland for pulling together a wonderful evening.

A special shout out goes to Sandra Hicks and Chante Smith who drove alllll the way from Atlanta to attend. Now that's what we call Blogalicious!

Video Recap {Thanks to Tyler New Media for this video!}

BlogaliciousDC Meetup Recap from Tyler New Media on Vimeo.

BET Study: "African Americans Revealed"

2010-02-21T17:36:00.000-08:00

MediaPost recently reported that BET published the results of a study finding that African Americans posses major influence in tech, media and buying power.

The "African Americans Revealed" study of more than 80,000 African-American consumers on multi-media engagement and digital applications, shows African Americans are very tech savvy, with roughly 31% of African American discretionary spending dollars, or $39 billion, going toward the purchase of computers, cell phones and electronics - a proportionally higher percentage when compared to non-African Americans.

Some additional findings...

African Americans:

- Spend more weekly time online (18 hours) than watching television (15 hours)
- 93% go online traditionally via their PCs, while 76% access the web via their cell phones
- 60% have downloaded music, a TV show, movie or ringtone in the previous month
- 50% regularly update and access a social networking account

What I found most interesting about that study was the seven groups that African Americans were broken down into:

◦ The Strivers are mostly in their late 20's to early 40's and are adventurous, fashionable, social mavens and opinion leaders who have their eyes on climbing the executive ladder

◦ Conscious Sisters are selfless women that are spiritually connected and highly conscious of their culture

◦ Tech-Fluentials are digitally savvy and travel in globally conscious circles

◦ Bright Horizons are young adults in high school and college that are aware of all available technology and electronic gadgets

◦ Inner Circle Elites are working women rich in their cultural, ancestral and spiritual roots

◦ Urban Dreamers are young, urban adults who are social magnets and trend setters intent on and focused on living life to the fullest

◦ Survivors are a group of risk-taking teen and young adult males who are hustling to keep their existence in check

According to the article, Matthew Barnhill, Senior VP of Corporate Research at BET Networks, says "African Americans Revealed shows us that the black community should never be referred to as one homogeneous population... We hope this report will help organizations better connect with an audience and intimately recognize all of its complexities.

We couldn't agree more!

Blogalicious Bytes #2: How to be #1 on Google without Paying a Small Fortune

2010-02-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Our next webinar is scheduled for March 4th at 9pm EST and we have been lucky enough to get Adria Richards to host another session on "How to be Number One on Google without spending a Small Fortune." Click HERE to reserve your spot for this informative session.

If you're a new blogger or an experienced one, a blogger trying to build a business, blogging for fun or blogging for work, you'll find this webinar crucial to understanding what you need to do to become #1 on Google.

If you're curious about which blogging platform is better for SEO, whether SEO rules still apply when using Wordpress for a blog and CMS, whether page rank is lessened by uploading too much content within a short time, what exactly page rank is and how to get it (these were a few questions asked at the previous webinar) -- then this webinar is for you.

Don't be afraid that this will be too technical for you because Adria will break it down in simple terms for us all to understand.

Please submit your questions beforehand so Adria can expand on the content of the presentation.

Hope you'll join us!

More about Adria

Adria Richards is an organic technology consultant, trainer and speaker. She is dedicated to empowering people through technology. Adria started her career at Geek Squad in 1999 and has 11 years of experience in the IT industry. She launched her own consulting company in 2006. She blogs at ButYoureAGirl, offers online training at Freshworkshops, does a weekly tech show at AskAdria and strives to raise awareness for open source, cloud/SASS applications and equality in technology.

Adria will be speaking at this year’s SXSW and BlogHer. She enjoyed last year's inaugural Blogalicious conference, was able to reconnect with many other women she had met at other events and had time at this event to have deeper discussions with many new people! She plans to return to the Blogalicious 2010 conference in Miami this October.

New Twitter Handle: @beblogalicious

2010-02-15T11:10:00.000-08:00

Just a quick announcement to let you know that the Twitter handle for the Blogalicious conferences and other related events is now @beblogalicious. No need to re-follow us if you're already following our updates; this is just an FYI.

Please tweet and re-tweet if you're so inclined!

DC Meet-up scheduled for this Wednesday

2010-02-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Our very first Blogalicious IRL meet-up is scheduled in DC for this coming week and we are so excited. For most of us, it'll be our first time to connect with many of the fabulous ladies that we met at Blogalicious 2009, as well as meet many, many more fabulous people. We've been blessed to have the support of a few amazing ladies here in the DC area to help us get this together - thank you Xina, Tonya and Ananda. Without your unwavering support we don't know how we would have been able to plan this event.

So, look out for pictures and tweets (and maybe even live streaming - we'll keep up updated about the live streaming on Twitter). See you on Wednesday!

Calling All Editorialistas!

2010-02-12T20:10:00.000-08:00

Blogalicious is currently looking for blog editors to write for it's soon-to-be-launched lifestyle destination site:My Blogalicious. The My Blogalicious opinion, entertainment and news site will feature columns on a variety of topics including: Politics, Relationships, Food, Style, Parenting, Home, Entertainment and Travel (just to name a few!) We ask for a minimum of 2 posts a week on your topic of expertise.

Applicants should have a minimum of 90 days consecutive blogging experience either on the topic or somehow related to the topic.

We are looking for bloggers who are passionate about their topic, who love to blog, and who will commit the time necessary to establish My Blogalicious as a "go-to" site for what's interesting to women of color on the web.

At this time this opportunity is unpaid, but you will continue to gain experience and gain critical exposure as an expert in your field.

If this sounds like you, then send us a completed application to info@blogaliciousweekend.com.

Recap from BlogaBytes Webinar # 2

2010-02-11T17:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you for attending our webinar today with awesome instructor Adria Richards on “How to be #1 on Google without Paying a Small Fortune.”

Please take a moment to complete a short survey (here) and let us know what you thought.

If you missed it, Adria has graciously agreed to host this webinar again on March 4th, and you can register here.

How To Be Number One On Google Blogalicious

Here are a few links from today’s session for your reference:

Google Analytics Signup - http://google.com/analytics

Wordpress.org is the self-hosted version of Wordpress requiring a domain name and hosting – http://wordpress.org/

Great examples of Wordpress websites for Inspiration – http://welovewp.com/

Copyblogger, resource for writing great content for the web - http://copyblogger.com/

What is SEO? Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Search_engine_optimization

What is Google Page Rank? Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_page_rank

Links to Adria’s content

Adria’s training website for blogging and SEO – http://freshworkshops.com/

Original show on this topic at AskAdria, How To Be #1 On The Google Without Spending A Small Fortune - http://bit.ly/Y5liP

Adria’s tech blog – http://butyoureagirl.com/

Adria weekly technology show – http://askadria.com/

More about tomorrow's FREE webinar

2010-02-10T18:03:00.000-08:00

Our Blogalicious Bytes: Lessons in Social Media series continues with Session # 2 tomorrow, February 11th at 2 p.m. Please join instructor Adria Richards of butyoureagirl.com and freshworkshops.com as she presents on the topic How to be Number One On Google without paying a Small Fortune.

If you own a business and you’re on the internet, you have probably heard about your “Google rank”. Maybe someone has called or emailed you promising if you pay them a monthly fee, they can get you to the very top of Google.

A study by JupiterResearch and iProspect revealed that 68% of search engine users click a search result on the first page and a full 92% select one of the first three results!

Adria will show you how you can:
- Increase your search engine traffic
- Improve the quality of the traffic so that you have visitors interested in your product, services, conversation
- Use tools from Google to understand what people are searching for
- Install Google Analytics on your blog to measure your traffic
- Evaluate your visitor traffic to make sound decisions on your blogging strategy
- Steer clear of fake offers to artificially boost your ranking

Adria will also discuss what SEO is and what it isn’t using an example of good SEO content development.

Please RSVP today and tell your friends.

Social Media Advice for Brands

2010-01-29T07:37:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the State of the Net conference took place in Washington, DC. The focus of the event is on technology policy in the U.S. and covers an array of topics related to the Internet. One of the sessions this year was entitled “Social Media in Tech Policy” (hooray to government for even recognizing the issue!) and the panel addressed their concerns with government agencies and companies diving into the social media waters headfirst, without the deep-sea gear.

On the one hand, it’s great that big agencies and brands are recognizing the potential to connect with the people that they serve, and their consumer base, by taking to the social media streets; on the other hand these entities need to make sure that they know what they’re getting into. The panel expressed that effective social media interaction requires a sustained effort on their part. It’s one thing to have access to the media, but it’s another thing entirely to actually be social. Companies take heed: you must engage your audience. It’s not enough to just have a Twitter account or a Facebook fanpage. You need to actively use it; listen to the conversations and add value to them. That’s the way to effect change, gain consumer feedback and develop goodwill.

The best advice? Hire someone that understands the space. You’ll be glad that you did. Another great place to start is to attend a workshop on the subject. When used properly, the fruits of social media engagement can be plentiful.

Blissful Bubbles + Bites @ Blissdom

2010-01-27T07:39:00.000-08:00

I know that we do not have to tell you about the awesomeness that is the Clever Girls Collective. These gals have become fast favorites of the Blogalicious team. Besides being sweet as all get out, Sheila, Stefania and Cat are smart, sharp and know how to throw a party! Remember the Blogalicious 09 Sweet Suite? ‘Nuff said.

Which brings me to an exciting announcement…

The Clever Girls will be hosting a party at Blissdom 2010! You can RSVP here for Blissful Bubbles + Bites . Irresistable party elements include: chocolate fondue, boas, sparkly lip gloss, bubbly and a rack of raffle prizes from Clever List sponsors. Did I mention that Blogalicious 2010 is a sponsor of Blissful Bubble + Bites? That’s right. If you attend, you can enter to win a Blogalicious Beach Tote with everything you need for a fun day at the beach, including a Full Conference registration to Blogalicious 2010 – $265 value! You can read up on all the details here.

And leave us a comment to let us know if you’ll be at Blissdom. We’d love to clink glasses with ya.

Sign up for our second free webinar

2010-01-26T07:42:00.000-08:00

Our Blogalicious Bytes: Lessons in Social Media series continues with Session # 2 on February 11th at 2 p.m. Please join instructor Adria Richards of freshworkshops.com and butyoureagirl.com as she presents on the topic How to be Number One On Google without paying a Small Fortune.

Please RSVP today and tell your friends.

Download webinar #1 - "Monetizing Your Blogs"

2010-01-22T07:31:00.001-08:00

Our first webinar held on Monday January 18th, 2010, with instructor Ken Gibbs, Jr., former Site Development/Real Black Network Director on Essence.com, on the topic of "Money Matters: Monetizing Your Blogs" is now available for download here!

Social Media and the Haitian Crisis: Blogalicious 2009 Keynote Speaker James Andrews Explains

2010-01-19T07:46:00.000-08:00

Using Social Media for Good

2010-01-13T09:11:00.001-08:00

For anyone on Twitter today, the message is clear: #HELPHAITI.

I logged in expecting to see a few tweets about the tragic earthquake and was immediately taken aback that #HelpHaiti and #TextYele and #Port-Au-Prince and #RedCross are all trending topics. This, this, is where the power of social media really shines through. My heart was warmed to see the support that Yele Haiti, Wyclef Jean's Haitian Relief Organization, is receiving. Mamalaw has long been a supporter of Wyclef and this great organization and we keep the Yele button on our blog to spread the word to all of our visitors. His plea for everyone to donate $5 by simply sending a text is being re-tweeted like wildfire.

The country of Haiti is near and dear to our hearts. Justice Jonesie's family comes from Haiti and she still has several family members that live there. In fact, she just returned from visiting Haiti for the holidays less than 2 weeks ago. My mother volunteers with Project Medishare for Haiti and frequently makes trip to the island to help the poorest of people. I often hang up the phone after our conversations in tears after listening to her describe the sad scenes and unthinkable conditions that she'd witnessed. In short, Haiti is special to us.

And how amazing to see that Haiti is important to the Twitter community too. Our very own Blogalicious supporter @LuvvieIG has rallied her blogging community to generate support for Haiti by challenging everyone to place the Yele Haiti banner on their blogs and to donate both money and clothing to Haitians in need.

Blogalicious Weekend will be donating $.25 to the people of Haiti for each Twitter follower that we have. The mobilization and charitable support for Haiti on Twitter and the blogs today is amazing. And really embodies the essence of social media: Community.

We encourage our community to spread the word about the various ways to donate and to keep the earthquake victims in their thoughts and hearts.

A word to the wise: Don't take your social media influence lightly. With a quick re-tweet on Twitter, a short status update on Facebook or a meaningful post on your blog, you can make a difference in the lives of people hundreds of thousands of miles away. That's the real beauty of social media.

Social Media New Year Resolutions

2009-12-29T12:48:00.000-08:00

I was reading this article by Jason Bakker of Campus Media Group about 2010 Social Media New Year Resolutions on YPulse and was inspired by this resolution of his in particular:

I will become a power user. Our friend [and Ypulse Youth Advisory Board Member] Libby Issendorf has challenged us to choose one new social network each month and become a power user, if only for 30 days. Make friends, add content, and
experiment with every feature and privacy setting. No making "I don't have time"
excuses: A few hours of setup, one hour-long session per week, and a five-minute
daily check-in are all you need. You'll learn more about Tumblr, Foursquare, or
Farmville than you ever could from a blog post or presentation.

Here are some other interesting posts on the subject:

What Is Your Social Media Resolution for 2010?

(by Blogalicious community member, Terri Holley!)

2010 Social Media Goals

12 Social Media Resolutions for 2010

6 More Social Media Resolutions for 2010

My New Year's Resolution: Use Social Media Efficiently - 52 Tips

Sure, the thought of tackling a new social network site every month sounds a little daunting, but imagine the opportunities to connect and explore. I have to admit, I'm intrigued by the notion and 98% up for the challenge...Are you? Do you have any social media resolutions for 2010?

Merry Christmas Everybody

2009-12-24T18:57:00.000-08:00

Sign up for a FREE webinar

2009-12-21T08:38:00.000-08:00

As we mentioned in our newsletter we are launching a new series - Blogalicious Bytes: Lessons in Social Media. Blogalicious will host monthly webinars on topics of interest to our social media community. These hour-long webinars will be taught by well known and respected instructors in their respective areas of expertise.

The first webinar will be held on Monday January 18th, 2010, at 8:00 P.M. EST, join Ken Gibbs, Jr., former Site Development/Real Black Network Director on Essence.com, as he presents on the topic of Money Matters: Monetizing Your Blogs.

Please rsvp here to reserve your spot in this session. The webinar is free, so in the spirit of the season, please share this tip with your friends:)

We need your input, please

2009-12-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Planning a conference is not as easy as it seems! There are so many details and so many choices and it's a little daunting that one misguided decision could affect many things. Fortunately, there weren't too many poor choices for Blogalicious 2009 (we hope you would agree).

As we embark on Blogalicious 2010 we are once again reminded of the many, many choices that go along with this process. We narrowed down the city to Miami with ease and I think we are all pretty comfortable with that choice. I mean, c'mon, its Miami - sun, sand and fun; what more could we ask for?

Onto the next big decision - the hotel. Do we want posh and hot or laid back and relaxed, mid city or beach front, fancy guest rooms or great amenities. Granted, it would be fabulous if we could wave a magic wand and get it all, but the truth of the matter is that it's just not that easy.

We visited Miami this weekend in search of the perfect place to host Blogalicious 2010. For us, the accommodations and vibe have to be just right because we want the best for you. We want you to enjoy your experience so we are considering many options. But, we have safely narrowed the choice to a couple hotels, BUT we want your input.

Help us choose the RIGHT hotel. Here are the specs:

Downtown - moderately priced; fantastic rooms with lots of hi-tech gadgets; great in-hotel amenities; posh and sleek; Biscayne Bay views; walking distance to shops, dining and the Bay; a 10-minute ride to South Beach.

Beachfront - moderately priced; plush and spacious rooms; beautiful beach views from rooms; beachfront resort; laid back; family amenities; great outdoor facilities; North Miami Beach; convenient shuttle rides to South Beach and superb shopping.

Tell us what you want your experience to be. Please leave us a comment AND vote. Voting closes on December 12th, and we're looking forward to your feedback.

Facebook changes its privacy policies

2009-12-02T07:27:00.000-08:00

FYI....just in case you didn't know, Facebook is changing its privacy policies. Please see open letter from Founder, Mark Zuckerberg:

An Open Letter from Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg

Share

by Mark Zuckerberg Yesterday at 9:23pm

It has been a great year for making the world more open and connected. Thanks to your help, more than 350 million people around the world are using Facebook to share their lives online.

To make this possible, we have focused on giving you the tools you need to share and control your information. Starting with the very first version of Facebook five years ago, we've built tools that help you control what you share with which individuals and groups of people. Our work to improve privacy continues today.

Facebook's current privacy model revolves around "networks" — communities for your school, your company or your region. This worked well when Facebook was mostly used by students, since it made sense that a student might want to share content with their fellow students.

Over time people also asked us to add networks for companies and regions as well. Today we even have networks for some entire countries, like India and China.

However, as Facebook has grown, some of these regional networks now have millions of members and we've concluded that this is no longer the best way for you to control your privacy. Almost 50 percent of all Facebook users are members of regional networks, so this is an important issue for us. If we can build a better system, then more than 100 million people will have even more control of their information.

The plan we've come up with is to remove regional networks completely and create a simpler model for privacy control where you can set content to be available to only your friends, friends of your friends, or everyone.

We're adding something that many of you have asked for — the ability to control who sees each individual piece of content you create or upload. In addition, we'll also be fulfilling a request made by many of you to make the privacy settings page simpler by combining some settings. If you want to read more about this, we began discussing this plan back in July.

Since this update will remove regional networks and create some new settings, in the next couple of weeks we'll ask you to review and update your privacy settings. You'll see a message that will explain the changes and take you to a page where you can update your settings. When you're finished, we'll show you a confirmation page so you can make sure you chose the right settings for you. As always, once you're done you'll still be able to change your settings whenever you want.

We've worked hard to build controls that we think will be better for you, but we also understand that everyone's needs are different. We'll suggest settings for you based on your current level of privacy, but the best way for you to find the right settings is to read through all your options and customize them for yourself. I encourage you to do this and consider who you're sharing with online.

Thanks for being a part of making Facebook what it is today, and for helping to make the world more open and connected.

Mark Zuckerberg

McDonald's releases “Meet the Mom Blogger Series” on MOMTV filmed at Blogalicious 2009

2009-11-24T09:14:00.000-08:00

Watch Blogalicious 2009 attendees on MomTV as they support Ronald McDonald House Charities’ (RMHC) commitment to children, their families and to making the world a better and more caring place. The on-site interviews sponsored by RMHC were conducted by Maria Bailey, CEO of BSM Media. Ms. Bailey views the interviews as "an example of engaging moms in a 2.0 way that creates a relevant dialogue and allow these moms to continue the conversation." Ms. Bailey spoke with influential women bloggers of color such as novelist, Denene Millner of My Brown Baby, and Ms. Latina of Latina on a Mission about their perspective on mom blogging.

For 35 years, RMHC has supported programs that directly improve the health and well being of children by providing a bridge to quality health care. With the approach of McHappy Day on November 20, RMHC is endeavoring to spread the word about the Charity using social media. On Facebook, fans can download the “Give a Hand® for Ronald McDonald House Charities” online widget application, and McDonald’s will donate $1 for each of the first 35,000 Hands shared online. Followers can link to the RMHC web site, or follow the Charity on Twitter using the #McHappyDay hash tag.

Product Recommendations come from friends, not networks?

2009-11-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

MediaPost published an article today discussing a survey of 583 moms with kids under 12 conducted by MomConnection entitled "Product Recommendations Come From Friends, Not Networks."

The gist of the the study is that that "despite all of the attention being given to the relationships that moms form online through social media...they do not use social networks as a resource when it comes to product decision-making. Moms are four times more likely to turn to their personal offline network of friends and family than online social networks for product recommendations and buying advice." (Read the MomConnection release here).

I could NOT relate to this story at all because I find myself relying on online recommendations for certain products, especially products related to my daughter. Don't get me wrong, I have not bought products based purely on Twitter entries, but I rely on my "trusted mom" sites/blogs to look for information.

I think the study misses the mark a little because it fails to appreciate that in many instances our online network (especially in the blogosphere) is personal and true friendships are made and that it's not just about being social.

What are your thoughts? Do you rely on social media for information about products or do you view your online relationships as purely social? Is this survey correct?

Follow @SantaClaus on Twitter!

2009-11-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

[Actually you really can.] A recent survey found that 17% of adult shoppers will use social media in some aspect of their holiday shopping, and 19% will rely on their mobile phones.

Deloitte's 24th Annual Holiday Survey polled more than 10,000 adults in the U.S, and says that of the nearly one in five who plans to use social media sites, 60% say they will do so to find sales, discounts, and coupons; 53% intend to use sites like MySpace and Facebook to research gift ideas, and 52% say they will check the wish lists of friends and family.

No surprise there right? As social media increasingly becomes a routine part of our everyday experiences, it only makes sense that the trend spills over into traditional activities, such as holiday shopping. As we enter into the wonderful, dreadful holiday season, how does social media factor in to your plans?

Marketing to women of color

2009-10-26T19:53:00.000-07:00

At the Town Hall Discussion "Marketing to Women of Color - The Real Deal" our spectacular and gracious moderator, Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, shared some mind-blowing statistics with us about the spending power of women of color. Funny thing is that we all had an inclination about this information already, but actually hearing it in the aggregate was powerful and truly showed the power of women in the marketplace. With her permission, we are pleased to share these statistics with you.

Our hope is that you take note of your power and more importantly of our power as a group. Let your voice be heard and share the news that we are a strong force in the marketplace.

Latina, Black, Asian, Native American and Middle Eastern women of color control 85% or more of all purchase decisions made today. WomenEntreprenuer Magazine labels this distinct and unique group of women as "multi-influential" because they reach so many demographics.
By 2010 the buying power of women of color will reach $1.2 trillion, a 20% increase from 2007.
There are 54 million women of color currently living in the United States and they are responsible for the purchases of 1.5 million new cars and trucks, 90% of all vacation and travel plans and more than 80% of pharmaceutical decisions.
In contrast to some misleading stereotypes, women of color are big consumers of online technology from social networking, blogging, search optimization, and email. Women of color currently represent the largest group of all new technology users which is a position they are projected to keep for years to come.
Multi-influential women of color are the fastest-growing economic sector in the entrepreneurial markets.
The 2.4 million businesses in this country owned by women of color generate $230 billion in gross sales receipts and employ 1.6 million workers.
They are a highly networked, influential and motivated group of successful women who are quick to recommend another company, brand, service and prospect if they believe it offers value.
Gaining their trust as a customer and as a supplier of your goods will pay huge dividends.
According to Winning the Toughest Customer: The Essential Guide to Selling to Women by Delia Passi, A woman will refer up to 26 individuals to a company, product or service if she is happy with her experience compared to a man who will only refer an average of 11 people even with the highest degree of satisfaction.

Source for information:
Muley, Miriam. “Introducing the Multi-Influential Women of Color.” WomenEntreprenuer.com. WomenEntrepreneur Mag., 7 Sept. 2009. 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.womenentrepreneur.com/2009/09/introducing-the-multi-influential-women-of-color.html
Muley, Miriam. “Tap Multi-Influential Referral Power.” WomenEntrepreneur.com. WomenEntrepreneur Mag., 29 Sept. 2009. 5 Oct. 2009. http://www.womenentrepreneur.com/2009/09/tap-multi-influential-referral-power.html
Information presented by Cheryl Mayberry McKissack, CEO of Nia Enterprises, LLC, www.niaenterprises.com blog: www.girlgetmestarted.com, online community: www.niaonline.com

Feedback please

2009-10-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

Did you attend Blogalicious? If so, we want to hear from you. If you haven't already done so, please complete our short survey (click here) and tell us what you thought. We really appreciate it and we're looking forward to hearing from you so that Blogalicious 10 can be even better.

Conference Recap

2009-10-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

The theme of this year’s inaugural conference was "Your Wow Factor" and all we can say is "WOW!" By all accounts, Blogalicious 2009 was a success. From the attendance, to the location, sessions, sponsors, and social events, the weekend was better than we imagined. We are overflowing with appreciation for the energy and excitement that radiated during the conference and continues on the blogs and tweets gathered from all parts of the web. Conference attendees live Tweeted the event and, within the first hour of the conference on Saturday, Blogalicious09 was a Trending Topic on Twitter. There were also live broadcasts On Maria Bailey Live on momtv.com and ustream.com.

It was loads of fun and we hope that you will stay connected with us and become a part of the Blogalicious community. Join our blogger marketing network at: http://www.theb-link.com/ or follow us on Twitter at @blogalicious09.

In the meanwhile, please enjoy a few photos, courtesy of Carol Cain, NYCityMama.

P.S. Please forgive me if I got your name wrong or misspelled it because I was operating based on memory (and we all know that my mommy brain doesn't always work well).

Wow

2009-10-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

Blogalicious 2009 came and went! We are still reeling from the energy and positive vibes that you all radiated throughout the weekend. We're already at work (no, we can't help it) gathering all of your fantastic posts and the pics from the event, so stay tuned for a conference recap coming soon. In the meantime, if you want to help us out by providing us a link to your Blogalicious posts, Flickr pages, and anything else that would be great. We've included a Mr. Linky to make things easy.

Can I just say one more time how much we loved the Blogalicious love? You all were fabulous!

Until Miami...

Look out Atlanta, Here We Come!

2009-10-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? The conference is here! The conference is here! Our bags are packed, outfits have been picked, packages have been sent, cocktail menus are finalized, presentations loaded, shoes selected, swag bags need stuffing, and it's time to listen, become empowered, and mix and mingle.

We hope to see you there and if you weren't able to make it this year, we hope that you'll follow the conversations on Twitter (search hashtag #blogalicious09), blogs, and elsewhere. We can't leave without saying thank you to everyone for your support, encouragement, and help over the last 8 months. We appreciate all of you for what you've done to help make the inaugural Blogalicious Weekend a fantastic sold out event. Amazing! Check out the complete conference guide here: Blogalicious E-guide. It's full of important and fun information such as speaker bios, what to wear, the detailed agenda, party information, and valuable twitter handles! Special thanks to Justice Ny who worked for weeks and endless hours gathering all this information.

We'll have so much to say, stories to share, and pictures to show you when we return and we want to hear all about your experiences at Blogalicious 2009. See you soon!

P.S.

If you post about your trip to the conference, leave us a link in our comments! We'd love to hear your take on the weekend and check out your photos and video.

The Conference eGuide Is Here

2009-10-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

We are only a few days before Blogalicious 2009 - yippee!!! After more than 7 months of planning, it's here and we can hardly describe the emotions that we are each experiencing right now. In an effort to keep you updated on all the happenings, we've put together a guide with a little information about our speakers and sponsors, as well as answers to your burning questions. You can access it here.

See you in a few days!

Announcing the Blogalicious 2009 Theme - "Your Wow Factor"

2009-10-05T08:58:00.000-07:00

At the core of all the captivating blog posts, the most engaging Twitter conversations, and the influential social networking communities is a powerful network of diverse women bloggers. We are in large part responsible for social media and Web 2.0 being the amazing phenomenon that is has become. Our similarities and differences and the colorful variety of voices that we bring to the online community keep our readers coming back for more.

Our influence and opinions are stronger and louder than ever and marketers and their brands are paying attention. Above all, our moxie is what keeps us connected to one another. As a group, we are fierce. Individually, we even more special. Each of us has a "Wow Factor" - something that makes us stand out from the rest. That "something" is what we want to celebrate at the inaugral Blogalicious Weekend. Over the 3 days (and beyond!) we want to hear and learn about that unique quality; that spark that defines...you.

What's Your Wow Factor?

Special Event Announcement: Party Like a Princess!

2009-10-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night October 10, 2009, The BlogRollers Media Presents:

"The Blogalicious Princess Celebration"

This December, Disney will release a new animated film, "The Princess and the Frog" featuring our first African-American Disney Princess, Tiana! To celebrate the princess in all of us, we will put on our tiaras and jewels and toast our new princess overlooking our "kingdom," in the swank Altitude party lounge on the 27th floor of The W Hotel Atlanta-Midtown. There will be hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, open bar from 10pm - 11pm, and exciting entertainment. The princesses in attendance (yes, us!) will be able to relax, mingle, and cut a rug if the mood hits them.

A girls night out...Big Easy style!

Special Event Announcement: The Pine-Sol Lady!

2009-09-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Stop by Pine-Sol Table 108 during the 3:30 PM conference break for a chance to meet “The Pine-Sol Lady” and famed comedian Diane Amos.

Diane has served as the spokesperson for the national Pine-Sol® advertising campaign since 1993, and you might recognize her from the many commercials she’s done over the years or the latest Pine-Sol advertising campaign. Since 2007, she has contributed to the company’s Powerful Difference campaign, which aims to celebrate African-American women making an impact on their communities. Be sure to swing by our sponsor Pine-Sol’s table for a chance to meet her and get some fun swag.

You can also follow @PowerfulDiff on Twitter during the conference for live updates as to her arrival.

Heather's in the spotlight today

2009-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Our featured speaker today (and the countdown is on by the way) is Ms. Heather Barmore. Heather will be one of the fabulous women on the panel for the Town Hall & Plenary Session - Marketing to Women of Color: The Real Deal. I'm looking forward to Heather's remarks because she is witty and bright and honest. In the meanwhile here's a little more about Heather in her own words:

Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? Six months shy of my 21st birthday I got caught - by the police - purchasing a handle of gin. Also I'm getting another tattoo.

In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? In my spare ten minutes I wish I could be at Anthropologie. I'm actually reluctantly returning messages via the phone. Which begs the question of why people don't use email. Email is great and doesn't require me to hem and haw on the phone I can do my work without having to speak to anyone. I like that.

If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? A simple yet ornate Tiffany right hand ring. Inscribed would be 'SINKing and loving it!'

You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? KLONOPIN!

Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Indolent. Mercurial. Wino. Fun. Loyal.

If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? 1) A book deal that left me enough freedom to write but still do what I do 2) Someone to unpack my apartment/decorate/clean 3) To be three sizes smaller (oh, vanity!)

When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A Senator who was picked to be a Presidential nominee's running mate and we end up winning (duh) so I become Vice President.

Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? I love to write and yet I spend so much time surrounded by words and thinking of words and then I get upset when people don't like the particular words I've chosen. Because they're buttheads (I picked that word out just for them).

Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? I have a tattoo of a butterfly on the inside of my right ankle. It stands for "I just moved to DC, I'm 17 years old, I have a fake ID and so what ridiculously stupid thing can I do with my fake ID? I know! Get a tattoo of a stupid, ubiquitous, BUTTERFLY" Clearly there's a lot of meaning to it.

What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Pretend I'm being interviewed on Meet the Press or The Daily Show. I'm usually in the car. But I'm laughing my ass off and talking a lot and wildly gesticulating. I'd make an awesome interviewee.

For more from Heather check her out at http://nopasanada.org; @TheHeatherB on Twitter

Hotel Room Block Closes Today!

2009-09-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

We wanted to give everyone a heads up that the Blogalicious discounted guest room block at the W Atlanta Midtown closes today. Don't miss out on our great rate and reserve your room ASAP.

See you in 2 weeks!!!

Latoicha will put the spotlight on IP issues for you

2009-09-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

As you may know, the three founding partners of Blogalicious are all attorneys. But, just as you would not go to the podiatrist for advice about your eyes, you will need to consult an intellectual property attorney for advice on the "Possibilities and Pitfalls of Having YOU on Net". And that's exactly what we've done. We are thrilled that Latoicha Givens will be sharing her expertise on the myriad of legal issues that we face in the blogasphere. Here's a little more about Latoicha in her own words:

"Latoicha is the founding partner of the firm, Phillips Givens LLC. Her practice includes representation of start-ups, small, and mid-sized businesses in intellectual property matters. Specifically, she provides legal services in the following areas: trademarks, copyrights, legal issues in new media, and licensing issues. She also writes a law blog entitled http://www.iplaw101.com/. There she provides practical tips for individuals and small businesses in solving basic intellectual property issues. Latoicha is a frequent speaker on intellectual property issues and has been featured in the Atlanta Tribune Magazine and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is also a contributing writer for Black Web 2.0, the Brand Protection Council, and the United Kingdom Management Forum. She is also writes a beauty blog entitled Luxetips at http://www.luxetips.com/ There Latoicha shares how every woman can live the luxe life regardless of occupation or budget. Follow her on Twitter @IPLAW101 and @Luxetips."

AND

• Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? No comment. LOL!

• In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? Lounging in the Sun. I am actually checking email or my social media accounts.

• If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? Louis Vuitton Train Case.

• You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My cell phone.

• Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Outgoing, Emotional, Sociable, Funny, Optimistic

• If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? To be absolutely happy....always!

• When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? Actually a Doctor and then a Lawyer, and Business Owner. I am doing 2 out of the 3.

• Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? I am so emotional. I love it because I am always feeling an emotion. I don't like it because sometimes it makes me crazy!

• Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? NO.

• What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Dance and sing wherever I am.

A keynote from Karen

2009-09-24T00:23:00.000-07:00

My fellow Trini is in the spotlight today and I'm so excited that she will be giving our Afternoon Keynote "The Beauty of Different". Karen Walrond is a veteran in the blog world and has launched her love for photography into a beautifully successful brand. My words are few when it comes to talking about Karen because she truly inspires me in so many ways that I'm pretty much speechless. Here a little more about her:

Karen Walrond is a former lawyer, former engineer, and a current writer and photographer. Her fine art pieces and projects have been included in exhibits around the country. She was one of the founding contributors to the collaborative website, Shutter Sisters, a photoblog aimed at inspiring and creating community among avid women photographers. She is the author of Through the Gadling Lens, a weekly column on the travel site Gadling.com, with tips and other information on how to take amazing travel shots. She has appeared on both local and national television shows, including an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show. And she's the creative mind behind the blog Chookooloonks, a website that helps readers see that their ordinary lives are, in fact, extraordinary; and the author of the upcoming book, "The Beauty of Different," a book that helps readers see that their differences are, in fact, their superpowers.

Please add Karen to your list of favs (if you haven't already)
http://www.chookooloonks.com/

Special Event Announcement: Blogalicious Movie Screening!

2009-09-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

You heard it here first! We'll be screening the newly-released Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage on Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Blogalicious. Power couple Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, present their first inspirational documentary dedicated to promoting marriage and parenting in the black community.

Bonus: Our very own speaker, Denene Millner, is featured in the movie!

Whether you're married, single, or dating, and no matter what the shade of your skin, everyone will appreciate and enjoy this film centered around the importance of community and family.

Movie Description:
From the creators of the award winning website Black and Married With Kids comes a ground breaking documentary set to challenge negative stereotypes surrounding marriage and parenting in the black community. Couples and experts discuss topics such as the image and portrayal of black marriages and families, the effect the Obamas will have on marriage in the black community and the importance of parenting.

Stay tuned for more exciting special event announcements coming soon...

Ghennipher's in the spotlight

2009-09-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

Social Media and the Woman of Color is the panel on which today's speaker, Ghennipher Weeks, will be participating. Ghennipher has a lot of insight on all things social media. Her blog gives great insight to the power and possibilities of social media and we are looking forward to her discussion. Here's a little more about Ghennipher in her own words:

@Ghennipher is a veteran of the search marketing industry. Her first taste of the ever-changing world of search marketing began in 1999 as a web designer and internet marketing consultant for small local clients. Over the years, she expanded her clientele and has gained recognized expertise as an independent consultant to ecommerce, lead generation and content companies, providing them with strategy assessments and development, search engine optimization, conversion rate marketing, PPC advertising strategies, and in recent years, corporate social media training.

During 2008, she researched and helped create the book "SocialCorp: Social Media Goes Corporate". She is currently the Director of Product Marketing at The Women's Information Network Online (http://TheWINonline.com).

With over ten years of business experience in the trenches, Ghennipher is a perennial all-star in the world of internet marketing, Ghennipher has been a noted speaker at conferences and industry events such as Webmasterworld PubCon, Blissdom, Touchpoint and Search Engine Strategies.

Outside of working, Ghennipher is an IKEA junkie and determined foodie, insisting on the freshest ingredients, double cream in her coffee and an absolute refusal of microwave ovens. She has an occasional weakness for giant chocolate-chip cookies. She would like to live on a rocky coast in a temperate climate, the west coast of France being one future candidate. All that notwithstanding, Ghennipher is a die-hard overworking techno-nerd-entrepreneur.

Read her blog about social media topics at http://www.ghennipher.net/

Another Fabulous Sponsor Update!

2009-09-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

With only three weeks until Blogalicious, we're excited that so many wonderful brands are still signing on as sponsors. Here's a snapshot of some of the great names that are helping to make our inaugral year a memorable one:

Rise and shine! Our Welcome Breakfast will be brought to us by the Glade Holiday Candles Collection.

Did someone say FREE CHILDCARE? Bring along your kiddies to take part in the Childcare Suite sponsored by Kimberly-Clark, makers of the Huggies brand. Make sure to sign up for this fabulously free service at registration (or send us an email).

Party with the Clever Girls. Join us in the SweetSuite sponsored in part by The Clever Girls Collective. With all the surprises up their sleeves, you don't want to miss this one...

For all you Ladies Who Brunch, Suave Skin is making sure that our Sunday Brunch is specatcular.

Believe it or not, we'll have another fabulous sponsor update for you next week!

Spotlighting Michelle

2009-09-16T04:14:00.000-07:00

"Community, advice and resources for working moms" is the by-line on this blog and it rightfully describes what our speaker is about. Michele Dortch will be a panelist on Mom 2.0 and after visiting her blog you'll agree that she is a perfect fit for this session. Michelle, a mom of 3, offers her personal stories of balancing work and life, while sharing tips for other similarly-situated moms. Here are Michelle's responses to our 10 fun questions:

In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing?
Running or sleeping. These are the two activities that in short bursts give me incredible energy.

What are you actually doing?
Tidying my house! It's a process that never seems to cease with three kids, a husband and a dog. Sadly, this doesn't give me any energy and instead exhausts me.

You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home?
My iPhone. Aside from air and water, my iPhone is an absolute necessity.

Describe yourself in 5 adjectives?
Honest (to a fault sometimes). Spiritual. Passionate. Focused. Helpful.

If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want?
Wish #1 - To be 100% debt-free.
Wish #2 - To run a successful non-profit foundation that serves women & children in some way.
Wish #3 - To make a real living as a writer; I imagine working from my home located off the Southern California coastline - writing and loving every minute of it!

When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up?
I've always aspired to be a published writer, though my parents tried desperately to steer me in a different direction. They succeeded for a very long time. It's not until recently (like the last 12 months) that I made a conscious decision to pursue writing as a career. Terrifying and exhilarating all at once!

Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself?
What I love most: my loyalty to people and causes. If I believe in you or your cause, I will stand alongside you/it, be your advocate, and cheer you across the finish line. What I love least: I am so focused that I can be resistant to change. I'm quickly growing out of this the longer I'm a mom and married. Change is a mainstay in my life no matter what I do to prevent it!

What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Ask her when you meet her*

General Info:Blogs: http://www.integratedmother.com/ and http://www.writerunpray.com/
Web: http://www.micheledortch.com/
Twitter: @integratedmom

Xochitl's up today

2009-09-14T18:41:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me, you find yourself irresistibly drawn to anything wedding-related. I honestly don't care that it's not my wedding, I just want to see and "decide" (in my crazy head I feel like I have a say) on all the details. Our spotlighted speaker has the privilege of being able to put her passion for weddings and event planning into her everyday job - Xochitl (So-Cheel) Gonzales is one of the co-founders of "Always a Bridesmaid" a New York based wedding consulting firm. Xochitl is a panelist on "The Art of Small Business Blogging" and we are excited to hear her insight on this issue. Here's a little more about Xochitl in her own words:

"Xochitl (So-Cheel) Gonzalez is one of the co-founders of Always a Bridesmaid, the New York based wedding consulting firm founded in 2003. While growing up in Brooklyn, she dreamed of being a talk show host, never knowing that life would lead her to wedding planning and, of course blogging. While her career goals have changed, her high-speed personality has stayed pretty much the same. Her impatience is both her best and worst trait and she describes herself as positive, outgoing, anal, polite and humorous. She started blogging in '05 as she chronicled her time as a wedding planner AND at the time, an engaged bride to be. The project didn't go over so well with her in-laws or her then fiance, but did prove her to be addicted to blogging, and so in 2007 she launched Always a Blogsmaid. The blog not only showcases her company's work, but it tackles problems that readers send in, and offers up insight into life as they work on the business and their clients weddings. If money were no object, Xochitl would probably have a closet filled with expensive handbags. If she ran into a genie into a dark alley, she'd probably ask for health, true love, and tons of fabulous bridal clients!"

You can find Xochitl at:

Company: Always a Bridesmaid (http://www.alwaysabridesmaid.us/)
Blog: http://www.alwaysablogsmaid.com/
twitter: www.twitter.com/theblogsmaid

Blogalicious on The Chatterbox Show

2009-09-13T19:55:00.000-07:00

The Mamalaw ladies (the founders of Blogalicious) will be live on The Chatterbox Show tomorrow, Monday 9/14 at 10am EST. If you have questions or comments about the conference, or just want to call-in and let us know how excited you are, we'd love to talk with you.

The show, hosted by Chatterbox Christie, is called:

Blogalicious 09: Everything You Wanted to Know (but were afraid to ask)

And while we hope that you do call-in with questions for us, we want you to know that we are always accessible to you. We created this conference for you and we've tried our best to listen to your ideas and concerns and incorporate them into our conference planning.

So, we look forward to chatting with you tomorrow. But if you want to reach out to us off-air, please feel free to Tweet or Email us anytime.

On Twitter:
@blogalicious09
@justicefergie
@justicejonesie
@justiceny

Email:
info@blogaliciousweekend.com
contactus@blogaliciousweekend.com

Sincerely,
Justice Fergie, Justice Jonesie & Justice Ny

We've added rooms to our hotel room block

2009-09-11T10:21:00.001-07:00

Phew! You were in an uproar about the room block being sold out so we've worked it out with the W Hotel and we've added rooms to our block. You've got to call hotel reservations directly to book a room: (404) 892-6000.

Remember to connect with other attendees on the discussion board if you're interested in sharing a room. http://blogalicious2009.blogspot.com/2009/08/announcing-blogalicious-message-board.html

Facebook privacy

2009-09-10T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a helpful article for all you (us) social networking gurus out there, especially if you use Facebook. http://www.allfacebook.com/2009/02/facebook-privacy/

One Month Until Blogalicious!

2009-09-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

With only one month until the conference, we are counting down the days until we are all in Atlanta, and we want to make sure that all of our Blogalicious ladies are all set to have a great time.

Register!
First things first, you've got to register! If you haven't already, please take a moment to register for the event. We've got some special promotions going on that we want you to take advantage of, like the Buddy Pass (bring a friend and get a discount!), a Skip Pass (attend on Saturday only and save!), and the Student rate (get your network on for a fraction of the price!)

Already registered? Fantastic! Pass the news along to everyone that you know that might be interested in coming. If they register, have them fill in your name in the "How did your hear about Blogalicious?" line, and you'll receive a special gift at the conference.

We've extended registration until September 25 so that no one misses out.

Blog & Drive!
Once you've registered, make sure to apply for the Chevrolet and OnStar Carpool. Our Exclusive Automotive Sponsors have been so thoughtful and generous in providing a brand-new 5-passenger Chevrolet to any group of 3 Blogalicious registrants that apply! Please visit their application for details and apply now to ride to Blogalicious in style.

Free Childcare!
Yup, you heard us correctly. We're pleased to be offering free childcare for your little ones so that you can attend sessions, network and enjoy the company of fellow bloggers, all while knowing your children are in good hands. The kids will enjoy complimentary meals and a slew of fun activities to keep them entertained.

We ask that you pre-register your child(ren) first. To do so, simply click here and fill out the information. Registration Form

*Note: Nursing Moms - you're more than welcome to bring your babies along too!

Hotel Guest Rooms!
Rooms our going quickly!! We sold out but have since added more rooms to our hotel block. Last to get the discounted rate is 9/25 or until all rooms are sold.

That's it for now. We hope you're getting as excited as we are!

Spotlighting Jessica

2009-09-07T02:43:00.000-07:00

You know you have an impact in social media; we know we make an impact in social media; now hear more from an expert on women of color and social media. Jessica Faye Carter will be one of our panelists on "Social Media and the Woman of Color" and we are looking forward to learning a lot from her.

Here's a little more about Jessica:

Jessica is the founder and CEO of Nĕtte Media, is a social media company for women, which provides opportunities for women to connect online across various aspects of their identity, including culture, profession/career, philanthropic efforts, and religion. Jessica was previously a corporate lawyer on Wall Street and is a member of the New York Bar.
She is a nationally-recognized expert on cultural and gender diversity and an award-winning business author.

In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? I wish I could be in dance class (ballet, salsa, etc.), but I’m usually working—even in my spare time.

You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? Probably my laptop or maybe my makeup bag, especially if I had something to do later.

When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A fashion designer. That didn’t go over too well with my parents, who immediately said no.

What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? I love singing and believe me, no one is looking (or listening) but me!

You can read more at http://nettemedia.com/ or follow @nettemedia

Carrie's in the spotlight

2009-09-04T04:33:00.000-07:00

Our speaker spotlight today is on Carrie Ferguson Weir who will be on our "Possibilities and Pitfalls of Having YOU on the Net" panel and blogs at "Bilingual in the Boonies". Carrie is "a former newspaper reporter who now hangs with her bilingual-in-the-making chiquitica" and lives in Tennessee, "far from the Cuban-American homeland that is Miami, so for Spanish comfort I stalk Latina moms at the park, grocery store and gym."

The first thing that I loved about our Carrie's blog was its name "Bilingual in the Boonies" - being a city gal who always wonders whether I could ever survive a small town, her blog name alone captures my interest because I wonder what it would be like to not only be in "the boonies" but to be different in boonies.

Here's a little more about Carrie:

Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That I do the same stuff I tell her not to do. (like skipping breakfast and eating too much ice cream...)

In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? Getting a massage. What are youactually doing? Twittering.

If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? Italian shoes purchased during a Roman holiday.

You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? If said item was for someone else.

Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Talkative, creative, connector, opinionated, head-strong.

If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? An island, health and a never-ending mojito glass.

When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A writer.

Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? Grateful for my creativity and not so grateful about my bull-in-china-shop ways.

Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? No tatt. Can't imagine what I would want to keep that long.

What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Pluck my brows in the car.

You can find Carrie at http://www.bilingualintheboonies.com/

Headline NEWS!!!!

2009-09-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Announcing new admission specials. These are for a limited time and a limited quantity, so take advantage of them before they are gone.

Student Pass - A special discounted price of $75 per ticket is now available for students. A Student Pass admission gives you access to all conference activities BUT you'll have to present current college or university student identification at conference check in and you'll have to be at least 21 years of age to party.

2 for 1 Pass - A special discount of $350 for admission for 2 will be offered to you and a friend if you register together. Admission includes all the perks of a regular admission - just at a discount.

Party Pass - For those of you who want to network a little and party a lot, this pass will give you admission as a conference attendee to the exclusive Blogalicious events on Friday and Saturday nights and will give you access to the Exhibitor Marketplace during the day on Saturday.

Skip Pass - If you only want to attend the general sessions, then this pass is for you! For a special price of $100, you'll get admission to the Saturday Morning Keynote Session; Keynote Luncheon (includes lunch); Town Hall Session; Coffee & Snack Breaks; and the Exhibitor Marketplace.

Don't sleep because these offers are for a limited time only! http://blogalicious2009.eventbrite.com/

Denene Millner is shining bright

2009-09-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today's speaker spotlight is on the incomparable Denene Millner who will be making a couple appearances at the conference. She will be a panelist on the "Mom 2.0" session, as well as gracing us with a book reading/author insight during Sunday brinch.

I must disclose that I love Denene! She's smart, funny, gracious, humble, beautifual and she keeps it real. She's an accomplished writer and parenting expert and most of all she's a devoted mom and wife. Here's a little more about Denene in her own words:

"I’m a parenting and relationship expert who’s written or co-written 18 books exploring love—between men and women, parents and children, siblings, and friends. I’m also a member of Parenting magazine’s Mom Squad of experts, who help women negotiate the ins and outs of motherhood. In my spare time, I write entertainment, relationship, and travel features for magazines like Essence, Health, and Heart & Soul, and run MyBrownBaby (www.mybrownbaby.blogspot.com), a blog where I give thought-provoking, insightful, wickedly funny commentary on motherhood, pregnancy, childrearing, sex, work and relationships—all filtered through the lens of the African American experience. I’m also obsessed with African American art and children’s books, and, in my next life, I’ll have the astonishing ability to whip up drapes and fancy pillows. I live near Atlanta, Georgia with my husband, three children, and goldendoodle, Teddy.

Here are some extra tidbits about me:

I would never tell my Dad this, but he was right to make me go to the prom with my brother’s best friend, Mike. Had I gone with the guy I really wanted to go with, I definitely would have broken curfew (11:30) and I definitely wouldn’t have come home a virgin.

If I had a spare ten minutes every day, I would troll the internet looking at art by and featuring African Americans. I’m obsessed. Romare Bearden is my favorite; to me, his work—especially his collages—is absolutely magical. And these days, I’m really digging Tamara Natalie Madden, Franks Deceus, and April Harrison. Alas, I’m too broke to buy their art, and can NEVER find that spare 10 minutes because I’m too busy writing.

If money was no object, I’d buy an original Romare Bearden (as explained in the entry above this one).

I work from home these days—no getting dressed up, no traffic, no wasting money on expensive lunches, no annoying co-workers (my dog Teddy is the perrrfect officemate!). But if I sit down to my MacBook and I don’t have gummy bears, double bubble bubble gum and a Hersey’s chocolate bar with almonds? Oh, it’s a situation. Everything must stop until I get my fix. There’s magic in that sugar!

If I had my way when I was little, I would have grown up to be an architect and interior designer. Alas, my Physics grades sucked, so I ended up using my left brain in other ways (writing) and, for kicks, rearranging the furniture and drooling over Ethan Allen, zgallerie and Williams Sonoma furniture.

I am talented, sweet, no-nonsense, thoughtful, and a bit of a procrastinator —#workingonthat. And while I love my face and round hips, this baby weight is k-i-l-l-i-n-g me. (Yeah, my youngest child is 7—and? #whatsyourpoint?)

If I were granted three wishes from an angel, it would be to see my mom one last time, so that she could see the beautiful flowers her grandbabies have become, so that I could thank her for her grace, wisdom, and firm hand, all of which have factored greatly in my accomplishments and the woman, wife, and mother I’ve become, and so that I could tell her just one more time how much I love her. With that, I wouldn’t need any more wishes.

When I think no one is looking, I sang, chile—loud and strong and wrong. Especially if it’s a Stevie Wonder song. Stevie makes me happy!"

You can reach Denene at MyBrownBaby (http://www.mybrownbaby.blogspot.com) or
on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/mybrownbaby. You can also read some of her work at essence.com and parenting.com, and get her books at major traditional and online book stores.

Natalie's in the spotlight today

2009-08-31T04:36:00.000-07:00

Our speaker for today is a woman after my own heart. Ms. Natalie McNeal who can be found at The Frugalista Files took a "vow of frugality" in 2008 after she spent a month without getting her hair done, eating out or getting a manicure or pedicure and saved $400. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.! Natalie blogs about and teaches people how to live the frugal and fabulous life.

Natalie will be a panelist on the Cyberstyle & The Multicultural Blogger panel and here's a little bit more about her:

1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? I would probably tell her, so I could irritate her.

2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? I would be writing something meaningful, but I am tweeting and Facebooking.

3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? An extensive Louis Vuitton collection.

4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My keys.

5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Thick, sensitive, assertive, frugal and fabulous.

6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? Financial security, a beach home in Los Angeles and my book written!

7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A journalist

8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? The best thing about me is my ability to adapt to different situations. My procrastination is HORRIBLE. I’ll make it go away. Tomorrow.

9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? No tats.

10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Hmm. Adjust the twins. Heheh!

End-of-Month Registration Sale!

2009-08-29T06:59:00.000-07:00

Did you hear the news?

We've rolled back conference registration prices for a limited time. Take advantage of this special low price by registering today: http://blogalicious2009.eventbrite.com/

Spotlighting Leticia

2009-08-28T04:36:00.000-07:00

We are spotlighting Tech Savvy Mama today and please be assured that once you visit her site, you will leave smarter than before. I love visiting because I can rely on her blog to give me all the tips and reviews on what's the best educational resources for our little ones. Also, as her name indicates, you can count on her to tell you all about the tech toys for adults too!

Leticia will be speaking on the "Upgrade You: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level" panel and here's a little bit more about her:

"Leticia (aka Tech Savvy Mama) is completely addicted to the internet and any new gadgets. As someone born and raised in the heart of Silicon Valley, she thinks that the love of technology was due to both nature and nurture but her marriage to a network engineer took the geek girl in her to the next level. For a very brief period of time, Leticia was proud to claim that she owned more computers than her husband!

Leticia shares her love of technology, knowledge from years of experience as a classroom teacher & technology consultant, and perspective as a mom on Tech Savvy Mama. Through Tech Savvy Mama, Leticia addresses current issues about technology use in the home and helps families find the best technology products, websites, and resources for children of all ages. She has found that her own children (ages 5 ½ and 3) are becoming quite critical about technology and are learning about qualities of a good website when looking at sites to review.

Being a classic Type A overachiever, Leticia isn’t content just working on Tech Savvy Mama and teaching. She is the City Editor for Being Savvy Washington DC, consults for PBS Teachers, is also one of five teacher moms who writes for Leapfrog’s Teacher Tagvocates, and muses about life in the DC Metro area on DC Metro Moms. Leticia also helps chair the parent group at her son’s preschool and was asked to coordinate the elementary school silent auction but since her daughter wasn’t enrolled yet, she took politely declined that opportunity. Leticia can often be found blogging, Tweeting, and working into the early hours of the morning while the rest of her family sleeps. To get through the day, Leticia relies on her morning coffee and her iPhone.

While at Blogalicious, you are most likely to find Leticia enjoying pampering treatments, using TweetDeck on her iPhone, or searching out any restaurants in the Atlanta area where Top Chef cheftestants currently cook.

In the event that Leticia wins the lottery or inherits a large sum of money before Blogalicous, she will still be there and won’t have given up any of the above."

Check her out ...
Blog: Tech Savvy Mama
E-mail: tech savvy mama at g mail dot com
Twitter: techsavvymama

The Awesome Mommy Niri is up today

2009-08-26T04:22:00.000-07:00

Today's spotlight is on Mommy Niri out of Boston. Niri has so much going on that it's kinda hard to even describe her happenings so you should just visit mommyniri.com. Niri will be a panelist on "Secrets to a Successful Blog" and as soon as you visit her site you'll see why she's on that panel. Her site is different and awesome - I just love it!

She's an interesting lady and when I had to choose whether to post her official bio or her answers to our 10 fun questions, I couldn't.

"Mommy Niri, a mom to 2 little girls, exchanged her rat race life as a software engineer for her rug rats. Having had a love for journalism forever but not daring to pursue it in the turbulent South Africa (where she was born and bred), she is now writing to her heart’s content from her current hometown of Boston. You can also find her writing at Retrevo.com (as a parenting angle on technology) and MomsOfHue.com (featuring women of color) and has worked with companies like Hooked On Phonics and iRobot. She has been featured in several newspapers including Parent's And Kids Magazine. You can find her speaking at the upcoming Blogalicious conference. Her writing has gained her popularity as Mommy Niri has been nominated for the Nickelodeon Parent's Pick Award. She doesn’t do anything she isn’t passionate about (except maybe diapers)!"

AND

1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That she was correct about everything!

2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? What spare 10 minutes?

3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? Something that hides these thighs!

4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My cellphone

5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Passionate, Honest, Kind, Loyal and Just

6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? 1 - To Have my mom back alive, 2-To see all my family together again 3-To have Mommy Niri be a success

7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? A lawyer

8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? A little hot-headed

9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? None, wish I did

10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? The same I do when everyone is looking. I am just me, all the time.

Be sure to add Niri to your blogroll - if she's not already there!

http://www.mommyniri.com/
http://www.momsofhue.com/
@mommyniri - twitter
niri@mommyniri.com

The Chevy Blog & Drive Carpool to Blogalicious!

2009-08-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Need a Ride to Blogalicious 2009?

Sign up to Blog & Drive – okay, don’t do both at the same time ; - )

Are you and your friends attending Blogalicious? Sign up for the Chevy auto blogging car-pool. We’re looking for people to blog about their trip to Blogalicious and while you’re at it - tell us what you think of the ride.

Are you going solo? Well, join the Blogalicious 2009 Message Board on Big Tent and connect with other bloggers to form a Blog & Drive group. Chevrolet is providing a limited number of car-pool vehicles for registered attendees of Blogalicious 2009. All you need is a group of three that’s willing to tell us what’s on your mind.

Save money and cruise to A-T-L in a hot new Chevy. Space is limited so apply fast at the following link: http://gm.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_3qiFIgVrr6hb9pW&SVID=gm

You must be 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license to operate a Blog & Drive vehicle. We recommend that Blog & Drive groups blog at least two posts about their experience in the vehicle. Twitpics, podcasts, live streams and the like are also welcome. Groups are selected by Blogalicious and General Motors on a transparent and equitable basis.

Speaker Spotlight: Melanie Babcock

2009-08-24T00:47:00.000-07:00

As you may know, we've got a Town Hall discussion scheduled for Day 1 of Blogalicious that promises to be a very intriguing and informative session. "Marketing to Women of Color: The Real Deal" will be a discussion between a group of marketers and a group of women of color bloggers with audience participation that we hope will help uncover some of the roadblocks between the two groups and hopefully lead to an action plan to help further integrate women of color in the blogosphere.

Today's spotlight is one of the marketers on that panel - Melanie Babcock, Senior Vice President for Digital Strategy and Services with MS&L. Here's a little more about Melanie:

"Melanie is an interactive specialist with 13 years of interactive/web consulting expertise. She is responsible for helping clients develop and deliver innovative, high-impact digital communications solutions to meet their business and communications objectives. Some of her most recent work includes developing digital communications programs for Best Buy, The Home Depot, Governor’s Office of Workforce Development and Equifax.

Melanie brings a wealth of interactive and digital media experience to her clients. Before joining MS&L, Melanie was the Director of Interactive Strategy at an international PR agency where she helped build their interactive and social media practice including a blogger relations and social networking/community practice. Here she worked on several clients including Kodak, Frito-Lay, Kids II, Lenovo, FedEx and Wendy’s.

Melanie lives and breathes the digital and social media space. She is a born entrepreneur, who enjoys delighting clients with creative interactive marketing and social media solutions. Melanie earned her MS in Information Systems from Ball State University and a BS in Kinesiology from the University of Michigan."

We're looking forward to hearing from Melanie!

Blogalicious 2009 Welcomes Chevrolet & OnStar

2009-08-22T20:00:00.000-07:00

Get your roll on with Chevy & OnStar this October!

We are pleased to announce these great names as the Exclusive Automotive Sponsors of Blogalicious. General Motors has been supportive of our conference from the start (waaay back when it was merely an fledgling idea) and they made sure to become a part of this monumental event. A special word of thanks to Kameya Shows at OnStar and Monique Brentley at General Motors for working so hard to make this happen.

So, what does this mean for you? Glad you asked...

Ride in Style TO Blogalicious

Chevy & OnStar are sponsoring a Ride & Blog Carpool to Atlanta. Bloggers in multiple cities across the country will be able to carpool in a chic Chevy, equipped with OnStar, for a fun and comfortable ride to Blogalicious. Details coming soon. In the meantime, you can start preparing by (1) registering for the conference (required to participate) and (2) thinking about 2-3 bloggers in your city that can join you. Check out the Ride & Blog Carpool forum on the Blogalicious Big Tent to organize your group.

Ride in Style AT Blogalicious

Our amazing sponsors will also be hosting a test drive at the conference. We'll have more information for you soon about this, so check back soon and get ready to drive a Chevy! But wait, there's more. Chevy & OnStar has generously offered to provide our attendees with party transportation to Girls Night Out. No need to catch a cab or worry about hoofing it in your cute shoes. Our Auto Sponsors have got.you.covered.

Is Blogalicious 2009 Only for The Mommy Blogger?

2009-08-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

We've received some really good questions lately and it seemed fit to share the answers with everyone. So here goes. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to send them to us and we will get back to you. You can send all inquires to info(at)blogaliciousweekend(dot)com.

1) Question: Is Blogalicious 2009 a blogging conference for moms only?

Answer: Nope. Blogalicious is a conference for all women, mommy or not. Some of our attendees have children and some of them don't. Heck, some of our mommy bloggers are using this weekend for some much deserved "me time" while also pursuing their passion for blogging.

2) Question: Why Blogalicious 2009? There are already so many other conference, do we really need another one?

Answer: While there are several other great blogging conferences, before Blogalicious 2009, there were no conferences with a target audience of the women of color. Women of color are all over social media. We document our lives on our blogs, we promote our latest work on our blogs, and we are new moms, veteran moms, non-moms, and all of the above. (see question #1 above). As women of color in social media, there are some issues directly related to us that have not yet been addressed in a forum like Blogalicious. We saw the void and took action.

3) Question: Why did you pick Atlanta for the conference location?

Answer: Atlanta is a beautiful city. The weather in October is nice, hotels are great, and the airport is an easy one to fly to, even from the West Coast. Between the The Georgia Aquarium, Stone Mountain Park, World of Coca-Cola, there are so many fun things to do before and after the conference. And since Blogalicious Weekend falls on Columbus Day weekend, you can spend an extra day or two to visit just some of these great places. Visit the Atlanta Travel Guide for ideas on more fun things to do in Atlanta.

4) Question: What can I expect while at Blogalicious 2009?

Answer: You can expect to feel at home at our conference. We've designed a great weekend with many activities. We've also partnered up with some fabulous companies that have designed some really great opportunities for the weekend- just for you. We can't wait to share all the exciting things planned and are bursting at the seams to spill the beans. As soon we finish up all the paperwork and links and website are done being created - again, just for you- we are going to share all the juicy details.

Bloggers' identities may be revealed

2009-08-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this article in my internet travel today and wanted to share it with you; of course, this doesn't really apply to any of you because we all blog with integrity! But I wanted to pass it on:

Google reveals blogger's identity after Vogue model's 'skank' insult.

Miss Cohen, 37, went to the Manhattan supreme court to discover who had attacked her so she could sue for defamation. The Skanks in NYC blog featured photos of Miss Cohen and described her in a series of unflattering terms....In what may prove a far-reaching ruling, Joan Madden, a New York supreme court judge, rejected the blogger's claim that the blogs were a "modern day forum for conveying personal opinions, including invective and ranting" and should not be treated as factual assertions. The judge quoted a ruling by a Virginia court in a similar case that said that anonymous online taunters should be held accountable when their derision goes too far. Google said it had complied with the ruling by supplying the blogger's IP and email addresses to Miss Cohen's lawyers. The blog was removed as soon as Miss Cohen took legal action. Read more...

Marta takes the spotlight

2009-08-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's difficult to determine how much is too much to put out there on the internet. You want to speak from your heart and tell your story, but then you may hesitate because you're not sure whether there could be repercussions. Well, our speaker, Marta, writes from her heart - she has found her voice and shares with us lots of personal photos, so much so that after spending a little time on her blog, you'll feel like you know her entire family - and that's her secret!

Marta Darby from http://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/ will be speaking at the panel on "Secrets to a Successful Blog" and here's a little more about her:

"The most important thing that you need to know about Marta is that she does not go anywhere without her red lipstick. She sings in the car when she thinks no one is looking and has even gone as far as playing some serious percussion on her steering wheel.

Marta was born in Havana and fled Cuba with her family when she was just 5 years old.
If she were granted three wishes, one of them would surely be to see a free Cuba in her lifetime. She would also wish for her children to have happy and fulfilled lives. Her third wish would be for really long legs, but that’s not important right now.

When she was growing up, she wanted to be an artist and a writer. Writing her blog, My big, fat Cuban family makes her feel like she’s accomplished both. She embodies Cuban hospitality with her great sense of humor and passion for good food and great friends."

Make sure to add mybigfatcubanfamily.com to your blogroll today!

Fabulous Sponsor Update!

2009-08-18T18:23:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since we've given you an update on the wonderful sponsors that have signed on to help make the conference a success. We're excited to announce the addition of the following three brands as official sponsors of Blogalicious 2009....

You heard it here first! Mattel is launching its very first collection of African-American Barbie dolls. The fun, new "So In Style" or "S.I.S." line is designed to give little brown girls positive role models and to teach them that they can be inspirational mentors all while being stylish too. Look for Mattel and the S.I.S. collection at Blogalicious where they will be sponsoring the Cocktail Reception. We'll even have the special treat of meeting and hearing the doll's designer tell us first-hand what inspired her to create these adorable dolls.

America's favorite household cleaner is making an appearance at Blogalicious! Pine-Sol is a brand committed to diversity and it shows. The company has teamed up with Ebony Magazine and together they have been hosting SisterSpeak Luncheons all around the country honoring remarkable African-American women. We're pleased to say that Pine-Sol has teamed up with Blogalicious to honor YOU at the Friday evening Cocktail Reception.

LeapFrog has a stellar reputation when it comes to providing fun, engaging and educational toys for our little ones. And they're well-known for reaching out to bloggers to solicit honest and genuine feedback about their products. So naturally, it's fitting that they partner with Blogalicious to show you just how much they value your opinion and support. To top it all off, you'll have LeapFrog to thank for your much-needed Morning Coffee and Snack Break!

Join us in thanking to these great companies for supporting Blogalicious and women of color bloggers.

For the most recent agenda updates, click here!

People's Choice Panel - Now it's your turn to vote!!!

2009-08-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

We asked you what you wanted and you let us know … now it’s your turn to vote. We’ve sifted through all your suggestions and these three topics rose to the top. Cast your vote before September 1st and let YOUR voice be heard. (Go to the poll is on the sidebar)

“Show Me the Money – Monetizing your blog” – You want to take your blog to the next level in terms of making a little extra money on side, this session will explore how to get started, discuss realistic expectations of how much money can be made, who you should contact, and discuss the various options available to bring in some money.

“Yikes … An Audit! – Tax Implications of Making Money from Blogging” – Now, you’re making a little extra money from doing what you enjoy, it’s time to think about Uncle Sam. This session will explore the various tax implications of making those few (or thousands) of extra bucks.

“Raising Multi-racial kids on Your Blog” – You’re not a woman of color but you are raising a child of color. This session will explore the unique issues that you may face as you navigate the blogosphere and the real world.

The light shines bright on Veronica

2009-08-17T03:34:00.000-07:00

Today's Speaker Spotlight is on Ms. Veronica Arreola. What can I say? It's best that you read for yourself. Let's just say that she's amazing!

Veronica will be one of the women on the Town Hall discussion "Marketing to Women of Color: The Real Deal". Veronica blogs at http://www.vivalafeminista.com/ which is described as "written by a woman living in Chicago trying to navigate and understand the intersection between being a feminist, a mom, and a Latina. Besides the every day rantings and ravings."

Here's a little more about Veronica in her words:

1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom? That she did succeed in scaring me out of getting a tattoo. She died 6 years ago and I still think she’d find a way to carve it out with a butter knife.

2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing? Reading a book outside. Thinking about the next thing I’m going to write.

3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have? A pair of fabulous black Mary Jane heels. I have a nice pair, but not a fab pair. Those cost a bit more than Payless.

4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home? My office keys – happens a lot actually.

5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives? Happy, messy, busy, energetic and loving

6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want? One day where my late-mom and daughter can finally meet. We’d go to Disney World. Wish #2 would be for my mortgage to be paid off. Wish #3 would be to be healthy enough to see my daughter grown and with her own family.

7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up? Astronaut, marine biologist, teacher, writer.

8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself? I love that I’m optimistic, I hate that it leads me to take on too much!

9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for? None! Yet.

10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking? Watch entertainment news.

Want more of Veronica...check her out:

Chicago Abortion FundWomen In Media & NewsNOW Mothers & Caregivers Economic Rights

Blog: http://www.vivalafeminista.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/veronicaeye

She's in the current issue of Ms. Magazine - On sale now!http://www.msmagazine.com/summer2009/mommyblogs.asp

She'll be speaking at:Florida Consortium for Women's Studies October 2-4 in Tampa, FL http://web1.cas.usf.edu/wst/fcws/

Join The Blogalicious Message Board

2009-08-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

We hear you... The Blogalicious blog is great for updates and news, but you want to be able to connect with other bloggers planning to attend the conference. Piece of cake! Hop on over to the Blogalicious 2009 message board on BigTent and make yourself at home. You'll be able to look for a roommate, ask questions, and dish about all things Blogalicious. Sign-up is easy and free.

Only 30 Days Left to Book Your Hotel Room!

2009-08-16T07:25:00.000-07:00

As of today, there is only 1 month left to reserve your guest room at the W Hotel at the Blogalicious discounted conference rate. By staying at the conference hotel you'll have the advantage of being in middle of all the conference activity, the benefit of being only an elevator ride away from your room, and the perk of not having to worry about transportation to and from the Blogalicious events.

Find out all about the W Atlanta Midtown here. And then make sure to reserve your room today!

Need to find a roommate? Check back here tomorrow!

Help Denene win!

2009-08-14T08:33:00.001-07:00

Shout out goes to the fabulous Denene Millner over at MyBrownBaby for being a 2009 Black Weblog Award Finalist. We haven't officially introduced you to Denene as yet through our Speaker Spotlights - but, we had to make you aware that you can help her win in the Best Parenting and Family Blog, and Best Blog Design categories.

You're going to love Denene when you meet her (i.e. if you are not already following her blog); in the meantime pop on over to her blog and help her win!

Terri's in the Speaker Spotlight

2009-08-13T04:40:00.000-07:00

My mom has her small business up and running and she's doing really well BUT ... she doesn't have a clue how to enter the world of social media. I've finally got her reading our blog and she has a blackberry - but that's it! She knows nothing about social media, blogging, FB, twitter, and I don't even think she knows how to text.

If you're kind of like my mom (maybe not as ancient) and want to figure out how to better use social media for your business, here comes Terri Holley to the rescue.

Terri will be speaking on "The Art of Small Business Blogging" panel and "helps small businesses harness the power of social media so they can generate more leads, retain existing customers, and create additional streams of revenue." Terri says "her greatest joy is introducing people from the bricks-and-mortar world to the digital environment" and "her clients enjoy her supportive, non-threatening, and down- to-earth style."

We asked Terri some fun questions to get to know her better and here are her responses:

1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom?
Too many things

2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing?
Having a professional massage. I am actually checking email.

3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have?
A set of Coach luggage

4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home?
My laptop

5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives?
Innovative, tenacious, scrappy, persistent, fun-loving

6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want?
I live in abundance- I have everything I need, but I would love to travel more

7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up?
Not a clue

8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself?
Love the most – creativity Would love to change – inability to really and truly relax

9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for?
Not yet

10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Daydream

You can holla at Terri at her site Creative Blog Solutions or @Creativeblogs on Twitter and Creative Blog Solutions on Facebook

What to do with my family?

2009-08-11T04:17:00.000-07:00

You know that Blogalicious is just about 2 months away, right? You know that it's during Columbus Day weekend, right? You know that you're going to have a good time, right?

Now you're wondering how to work it out for yourself . We're sure one of the biggest issues you're facing is should I leave my family? Well consider this - you can make a trip to Atlanta WITH your family! Yes, I said WITH them ... because while you're getting your blogalicious on, they can be site-seeing and doing all the other fun stuff that the ATL has to offer.

Take for example, a tour of the Georgia Aquarium, or the historic MLK site, or go to the Bodies exhibit or feed your face at the Taste of Atlanta, or even go to Stone Mountain or enjoy the Fall Festival. There are countless family-friendly activities in Atlanta (click here for our family friendly guide). So don't feel bad because it's not really a hard decision. Make a vacation out of it - you'll have a good time and so will they!

(P.S. Stay tuned for more family friendly options)

Help Wanted: Graphic Design Intern

2009-08-10T13:22:00.001-07:00

Calling all talented graphic designers! If you're someone who is creative, has experience with graphic design, understands media, and loves blogging, then we have the perfect opportunity for you. Blogalicious is looking for an intern to assist in the creation and development of its eConference Guide. This is a great chance to hone those design skills while building valuable relationships and working behind-the-scenes at the only conference for women bloggers of color.

Familiarity with the city of Atlanta and experience with planning events is a bonus.

Interested applicants please send qualifications and work samples to: info@blogaliciousweekend.com

The Official Blogalicious Conference Program: Get In!

2009-08-10T12:55:00.000-07:00

Don't miss this unique opportunity to reach an audience of smart, powerful and diverse women who have a penchant for spreading the word about businesses, products and services that appeal to them! Unlike other conferences, by placing an ad in the Official Blogalicious Conference Program, you're not only promoting your "gig" to the conference crowd, but, should you make an impression on them and they give you a mention on their blogs, you'll also be reaching their widespread blog audiences too.

We don't want you to feel limited to advertising a business though. If you want to increase your blog's readership, drive traffic to your online portfolio, or simply announce your arrival to the blogosphere, there is no better way!

Conference Program Advertising Specifications:

Full-Page ad: $400 (B&W) $600 (Color)

Half-Page ad: $200 (B&W) $300 (Color)

Quarter-Page ad: $50 (B&W) $100 (Color)

Business Card ad: $20 (B&W) $30 (Color)

There's an option for everyone!

Email us at: info@blogaliciousweekend.com to place your ad today.

Deadline is September 13, 2009.

Brittany in the Speaker Spotlight

2009-08-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

If you've been over to our home blog (http://www.mamalaw.com/), you may have seen that I have started my beauty bootcamp - to learn all things beauty in 6 short weeks. But what I really should have done was pop on over to our speaker, Brittany's, site. Brittany authors http://www.clumpsofmascara.com/and you can find her in so many other places, that I got tired thinking about how much she has going on.

Brittany will be on the "Cyberstyle & The Multicultural Blogger" panel and she's got a lot to share with us. In Brittany's words, "Clumps of Mascara is a beauty blog for ladies who are looking to enhance beauty, not perfect it. Follow the journey of a newbie in the beauty world with mistakes galore...and pictures to prove it."

To help us get to know Brittany a little better we asked a few fun questions and here are her responses:

1. Tell us something about you that you would never tell your mom?
When I was a senior in high school, I let a friend convince me to smoke a Black & Mild. It didn’t sit too well with my tummy. Hours later I was on the floor with horrible stomach cramps. My Mom rushed me to the emergency room and after thinking that I was knocking on death’s door, it turns out that I just had a huge bubble of gas in my stomach. She still doesn’t know how that bubble got there but I know it’s from the Black & Mild.

2. In your spare ten minutes each day, what would you wish you could be doing? What are you actually doing?
Relaxing! I really don’t get much time to do this on an average week day. Sometimes I just want to sit down and not do a thing. My full-time job takes up most of the day and then when I come home I immediately start getting dinner together and spend the rest of the evening doing Clumps work. That alone takes a good 4 hours. So yes, a good 10 minutes a day to just to sit down and be at peace would so rock my world!

3. If money was no object, what item of clothing or accessory would you like to have?
Wow, that’s a good one! And I am wrecking my brain trying to think of what I would like to have. Hmmmm….I would love a pair of Louboutins. But then if I had those, I’d have to up the wardrobe game too. I’d settle for a nice new camera.

4. You're five minutes away from work and realized that you forgot something. What would be that one thing that would make you turn around and go back home?
The Blackberry. I’ve done it before and you better believe I’d do it again!

5. Describe yourself in 5 adjectives?
Corny. Dramatic. Inspiring. Passionate. Honest.

6. If you were granted three wishes from an angel or genie what would you want?
1) Financial security for everyone! I know that sounds extreme but I dream big.
2) Removal of all diseases and disabilities.
3) I’d want for all of my favorite foods (especially desserts) to be fat-free, healthy and still taste as good as they do now. Talk about a wish. HA!

7. When you were growing up what did you want to become when you grew up?
I always knew that I wanted to do something with children. From 2nd grade until middle school I played around with the idea of wanting to be a teacher or a pediatric surgeon. Shortly after college I taught through AmeriCorps so I think it’s pretty cool that I stuck with something for once in my life. LOL!

8. Which is the trait you love the most and least about yourself?
What I love most-my ability to find beauty in everything. What I love least-my lack of focus. I have so many interests but it is often a struggle to sit down and focus on one.

9. Do you have a tattoo, where is it located and what does it stand for?
I have 3. I have a purple star on my ankle that I got when I was 18. I got it because I was bored. No kidding. I have an ankh on my back and a West African symbol called Gye Nyame on my wrist. It means “Only God” and it is my favorite tat!

10. What do you do when (you think) no one is looking?
Cup my breasts. It’s so inappropriate and so random but sometimes I feel the need to make sure they are still there. HA!

Please add Brittany as one of your favs! For more Brittany you can find her everywhere:)

Twitter (ClumpsOfMascara)
Myspace (myspace.com/ClumpsOfMascara)
Skype (ClumpsOfMascara)
AIM (ClumpsOfMascara)
YouTube (DivineBlackness)
LinkedIn (ClumpsOfMascara)
Facebook (facebook.com/ClumpsOfMascara)

Speaker Spotlight shines on Corvida

2009-08-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

I pride myself on knowing very little of the technical stuff on the web and social media. I accepted a while ago that I can't keep up and so I scour the web for information about which application I should be using, and what feature gives the most utility, and of course, what's new and upcoming. If you are like me, then you need to visit Corvida's websites. She's got the scoop on everything social media and everything technical.

Corvida Raven will be a speaker on the panel "Upgrade You: Taking Your Blog to the Next Level" and once you visit her sites, you'll understand why she's a great fit.

Corvida is "A New Media strategist, Author of SheGeeks.net, co-author of EverythingTwitter and TheSocialGeeks podcast, noted as an influential woman in tech (FastCompany 09)." Corvida Raven is "blazing a path to become the "Oprah of the Web." When asked what she does in her free time, she says "she collects Converse sneakers and sunglasses" and "hanging out at local Barnes and Noble at any given time of the day is one of her favorite hobbies."

Please be sure to add Corvida to your blogroll because she'll keep you ahead of the game.

CORVIDA RAVEN Writer, Community Manager, Social Web Consultant SheGeeks.net Everythingtwitter.com Thesocialgeeks.com Mr. Tweet Blog Editor http://www.linkedin.com/in/corvidaTwitter: @Corvida FriendFeed: Corvida

Who's so and so?

2009-08-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

EVERYONE on the world wide web knows that Blogalicious has the most fantastic speaker line-up. We've prided ourselves on trying to get speakers who not only know what they're talking about, but can teach us a thing or two as well. Over the next few weeks we are going to be highlighting our fabulous speakers through our "Speaker Spotlight" posts, so just in case you were wondering about the conference and whether it's just going to be a big party - wonder no more, because it's going to be a place to learn, discuss, teach, share, motivate, support and have fun!

Great memory

2009-08-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mommy Niri we now have a video of that entertaining dance put on by the Lush Cosmetics staff at our party. What fun!!!

People's Choice Panel - Extended

2009-07-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

Now that BlogHer is over we can once again focus our attention on Blogalicious and on making sure that this conference rocks! We promised to plan this conference with you in mind and we are doing our best to make sure that there are many interactive opportunities - because, really, how bored will you be if all you did was sit at a conference and listen (or should I say sleep)?

We want to make sure that you get everything you want out of this conference and we therefore announced the People Choice Panel. But as I mentioned our energies were a bit diverted, as were yours, I'm sure, so we've extended the submission deadline for the PCP to August 16th. We also thought that you'll have better perspective on what you want to see and talk about post-BlogHer.

So...here's how it works. The PCP is a panel voted upon by you. Tell us what topic you want to hear, who you want to speak on it (if you have a preference or an idea), and we’ll put your choice up for vote.

Here’s what you have to do: 1) What’s not on our agenda that you think we should include? In a few sentences, tell us what this panel will be about. 2) Do you have any recommendations on who you think should speak on this topic? 3) Submit your proposed panel to us by August 16th. Submissions should be sent to justiceny@blogaliciousweekend.com. We will put all proposals up for vote and let the people decide.

So...let's get it rolling ladies!

Party like it's 2009!

2009-07-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

We're so excited to share photos from The Lush Experience at BlogHer. We owe endless thanks to Carol Cain (better known as NYCityMama.com) for bringing her camera and being so gracious to take photos for us all -- thanks Mama!

So...enjoy. If you want to stay in contact with the fabulous ladies that you met on Friday, feel free to identify yourself in the pictures and leave your contact info - blog(s), twitter handle(s), email(s) and whatever else you want.

BTW...that's us in Picture #1 (from left to right) - Justice Ny, Justice Jonesie, Justice Fergie.

www.blogaliciousweekend.com
@blogalicious09 on Twitter
Blogalicious 09 on FB
www.mamalaw.com
@themamalawblog, @JusticeNy, @JusticeJonesie, @JusticeFergie on Twitter
www.mamalaw.com on FB

SwagHer or Not?

2009-07-27T14:50:00.000-07:00

I was happy to attend my first BlogHer this past weekend for so many reasons, but I must admit that there was one thing that I didn't embrace as wholly as I should have (I guess) - swag! Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But I was overwhelmed by and with swag. Marketers got onto the fact that women bloggers are a force in the marketplace so they descended upon BlogHer with arms open wide. I wish I had taken some photos of the amount of stuff that we were showered with and the crates of boxes in the hallway and the gigantic giveaway bags.

I was grateful to have received swag, but also overwhelmed by it all. I felt disgusted after a while having been offered, and probably more importantly, taken, stuff because I knew that there was no way that I would EVER use that stuff. I mean, c'mon why in the world would I need 5 different kinds of dish clothes, or onesies for a 3 month old? But there I was sitting in all that stuff wondering why!

It was excessive and I feel like it brought out the wrong side of me and many other women there. I was excited on the first night, but by the second night, I just couldn't deal with it any more and I abandoned ship. I heard that lines were endless for some of the parties because the gift bags were so ridiculous; I heard there was fighting and pushing at some events; I heard that folks were at the events just for swag - they got 'em and then left.

It appears like it was about the swag and not the women/community. Maybe next year BlogHer should require all marketers to contribute to the ONE conference swag bag rather than all the random swag parties. Maybe that way the focus would not be on the swag but on the conference - just a thought!

What are your thoughts on the SwagHer?

Chicago, Here We Come!

2009-07-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Blogalicious ladies are heading to Chi-town tomorrow evening to attend BlogHer '09. If any of you will be at BlogHer, please, please track us down! We want to meet each and every one of you. Look for us during the conference, at the parties (especially The Lush Experience!), or send us a tweet or an email to rendez-vous.

See you all soon...it's going down!

xo,
The Blogalicious Crew

On Twitter: @blogalicious09
Via Email: info@blogaliciousweekend.com

Congrats to Penny Pinching Diva!

2009-07-14T09:12:00.000-07:00

Our very own Blogalicious Media Correspondent, and thifty blogger extraordinaire, Shynea Hunter aka Penny Pinching Diva is featured as The Coupon Queen in this month's Essence magazine (you know - the one with a smoldering Idris Elba on the cover!) Shynea offers tips and tricks of the trade on how to get the most for your hard-earned money.

Congratulations Shynea!!

Catch the Penny Pinching Diva in person, live on the purple carpet at Blogalicious 2009.

Get Off the WaitList!

2009-07-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

On the waitlist for The Blogalicious Lush Event at BlogHer? Fear not!

You want in and we want you in, so we've come up with a plan to move your name to the top: All you have to do is register for Blogalicious 2009 before next Thursday, July 23 and your VIP party spot will be secured. It's as simple as that! Hey, you're planning on coming to Blogalicious anyway, so why not register now and be guaranteed a spot at the hottest party in Chicago!

Bonus: Use our special discount code to sweeten the deal.

For questions email: info@blogaliciousweekend.com

But I'm a White Girl. Can I Still Come?

2009-07-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

Why are people so excited about Blogalicious? What makes it so special? We think that it's because it is the very first event of its kind. Women bloggers of color have generally been ignored in the social media space or given short-shrift by marketers reaching out to bloggers and at other blog conferences. Enter Blogalicious 2009.

This event will be an outlet for attendees to voice their feelings and opinions; a place to share hopes and dreams; an opportunity to learn from one another about everything social media. The conference offers a getaway that combines all of the things that you love about blogging with the added element of face-to-face interactions and the intimacy of IRL relationships.

And the great thing about Bloglacious is that women of all backgrounds are excited about its mission and purpose. We think that's fantastic and we welcome participation from women bloggers of all colors. Really. We've been getting email after email asking: "I'm really excited about Blogalicious, but...I'm a white girl. Can I still come?" The answer is absolutely. We want diversity in the blogosphere, in the marketing world, and certainly at our conference. So come on down to Atlanta and join us! You'll be spending time with a group of welcoming women of all shades, all ages, all backgrounds and all levels of blogging expertise.

And please don't worry about how pale you are (this was actually raised in one of the emails we got) and instead, get to worrying about how you're gonna handle all the fun you're gonna have.

One caveat: We want Blogalicious to be a comfortable place for open and frank discussion for all, so if you're shy, don't apply!