PHOTOS

: In a world where connections and deals can be made over email and social media platforms, it’s always nice to get that real-time interaction. Real time, as in face-to-face time (not to be confused with Apple’s Facetime option) of course. Well, newbie-to-seasoned bloggers and social media enthusiasts come in droves to <a href="http://beblogalicious.com/" target="_blank">Blogalicious</a> where they can get just that. From September 28-30, the 4th annual conference was held in Las Vegas, Nevada at the <a href="https://redrock.sclv.com/" target="_blank">Red Rock Resort & Spa</a>. Staying true to our editorial mission to showcase entrepreneurs and technology experts of color, BlackEnterprise.com compiled a photo gallery highlighting tech enthusiasts and innovators who attended <a href="http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/stacey-ferguson-blogalicious/">Blogalicious Weekend 2012</a>.—Janel Martinez and Marcia Wade Talbert

: Monica Barnett, <a href="https://twitter.com/Blueprint4Style" target="_blank">@Blueprint4Style</a>, founder and president of <a href="http://www.blueprintforstyle.com/" target="_blank">Blueprint for Style</a> On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I was speaking on a panel called “The Woman Behind the Blog: Perfecting Your Personal Image.” As long as they’ll have me, I’ll always attend to share my experience and expertise with fellow bloggers. Blogalicious gave me… A feeling of community and camaraderie, great tactical strategies for becoming a better blogger and bigger brand, and a chance to let my hair down and have fun! The Blogalicious experience is packed with experts, fun, sharing, network, know-how and revelations on everything from self-awareness to technology to building [a] business. The tech tools that never left my side… My iPhone, iPad and Dell XPS. I actually used my iPhone the least and my iPad the most since I took notes with it, tweeted with it, formulated strategies with it, took photos with it and grabbed online info with it.

: Lamar Tyler, <a href="https://twitter.com/LamarTyler" target="_blank">@lamartyler</a>, founded <a href="http://www.tylernewmedia.com/" target="_blank">Tyler New Media</a>, along with wife Ronnie, and 2011 BlackEnterprise.com Black Blogger Month honoree On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… We've been to Blogalicious all four years since it first began, and every year it fuels growth for our business. The information we learn and the connections that we're able to make for that one weekend lay the foundation for the entire year. We were also involved in this year's conference as hosts of the Box Tops for Education Town Hall. Despite the fact that the town hall was focused on education, and not social media or business, it was still very well attended and received. Blogalicious gave me… In one word: business. We were able to leave with new connections, and agreements that will make an immediate impact on our bottom line. The tech tools that never left my side… Smartphones. We were using our phones [Lamar used his Android and Ronnie used her iPhone] to check the online agenda, tweet out quotes and takeaways, snap pictures, and to text other attendees. We're not sure what we would have done without our phones.

: Lindsey C. Holmes, <a href="https://twitter.com/lindseycholmes" target="_blank">@lindseycholmes</a>, founder of <a href="http://lchbusiness.com/" target="_blank">LCH Business</a>, social media strategist and Evernote Small Business Ambassador On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… Because this year's platform was about monetizing your platform. That coupled with Blogalicious' core in diversity made this conference a win for me. Bloggers and tech professionals of color not only need more visibility in the industry, but money. Blogalicious gave me… Not only do you get the opportunity to network with bloggers at the top of their game, Fortune 500 companies who attend and eat lunch with you, listen to powerhouse speakers and attend fun parties, sessions are highly interactive and you feel welcomed to ask questions and are urged to share your accomplishments and goals. The tech tools that never left my side… My MacBook Air, of course. Live blogged, took notes, and, since it's so light, I could even take it to the pool.

: Terrance M. Gaines, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrothaTech" target="_blank">@brothatech</a>, technology evangelist and founder of <a href="http://brothatech.com/" target="_blank">BrothaTech.com</a> On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… As an African-American technology blogger, I’m a minority in my niche. So participating in a conference that celebrates diversity is something I would rather help support versus only highlighting the lack of diversity at similar events. Blogalicious gave me… The ability to connect with people I would've never thought to connect with online. The tech tools that never left my side… I decided to bring two smartphones—one for Blogalicious-related content and one for my own content. I couldn't take the risk of the battery dying in either device, so the gadget that really saved my life everyday that weekend was my smartphone backup battery.

: Frederick J. Goodall, <a href="https://twitter.com/mochadad" target="_blank">@mochadad</a>, founder of <a href="http://www.mochadad.com/" target="_blank">MochaDad.com</a> On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I attended the conference on behalf of General Mills as a member of their Box Tops for Education Blogger Panel. Not only did I get to share my passion for education, but I also got to learn more about my craft and meet some fantastic, motivated bloggers. Blogalicious gave me… The opportunity to make some new connections and business contacts. Mario Armstrong's talk really motivated me to take my business to the next level. I also enjoyed talking to Alfred Edmond, Jr. about the Urban Entrepreneur's Contest. I may have to submit a business plan. The tech tools that never left my side… My iPhone. I used it to send tweets, take photos and videos, write notes, and share updates on Facebook and Instagram. I pulled out my Canon 5D SLR when I needed to take some serious photos.

: Kris Cain, <a href="https://twitter.com/LittleTechGirl" target="_blank">@littletechgirl</a>, owner of <a href="http://ltgmedia.com/" target="_blank">LittleTechGirl Media</a> On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I was asked to speak at Blogalicious 2012. The panel was “Storytelling Through Photos and Videos.” It was my second time attending and speaking at the conference. After my first visit I knew that I would definitely attend again. I love the atmosphere that this conference puts off. Everyone has their act together; everyone is knowledgeable and ready for networking. Blogalicious gave me… The wealth of information shared by all of the speakers. I loved seeing what others in the blogging space are able to do. Hearing those stories is inspiring, and makes me realize that I just might be on the right path. The tech tools that never left my side… I actually had 3 smartphones and 2 tablets with me at the conference. Two are mine and one is a review unit. They all got used, though!

: Christie Glascoe Crowder, <a href="https://twitter.com/chatterboxcgc" target="_blank">@chatterboxcgc</a>, social media storyteller and founder of <a href="http://www.chatterboxchristie.com/" target="_blank">ChatterboxChristie.com</a> On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I have supported Blogalicious since the very first conference in 2009 as an attendee and a speaker. It is one of the most amazing experiences that a woman of color who has a presence in the digital space can have. This year I was a speaker and my session was on Google Plus. Blogalicious gave me… A renewed sense of community and purpose. I was inspired to take my digital presence and business to the next level. The tech tools that never left my side… My iPhone. I used it to take notes, pictures, videos, and post on social sites throughout the entire conference.

: Mario Armstrong, <a href="https://twitter.com/marioarmstrong" target="_blank">@marioarmstrong</a>, digital lifestyle expert and BlackEnterprise.com 2011 Black Blogger Month honoree On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I was invited to keynote and to share our [wife Nicole and I’s] story, and tips on how attendees can go from free to fee to pursue their passion with monetization. The positive energy, support and motivation to see each other be successful was amazing to witness. This needs to be a must attend for any person in social, new media or for that matter starting out as an entrepreneur. Blogalicious gave me… New connections that will turn into new revenue for our company. The intimate networking with doers was incredibly valuable. The tech tools that never left my side… My powerbag! This backpack is very functional and carried my laptop, tablet and 2 smartphones. The backpack enables me to charge up to 4 devices simultaneously.

: Bren Herrera, <a href="https://twitter.com/BrenHerrera" target="_blank">@brenherrera</a>, chef, founder of <a href="http://www.flanboyanteats.com/" target="_blank">FlanboyantEats.com</a> and BlackEnterprise.com 2011 Black Blogger Month honoree On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I was working with a tech company to document the experience through the use of new tools and social media. Blogalicious gave me… The chance to meet the people behind the blogs and avatar in real life and have an intimate exchange with them. The real-life connection makes their voice and blog come to life, so it gives me a deeper sense of understanding and appreciation of them. The tech tools that never left my side… I had my laptop for publishing pre-assigned articles (because, you know, work doesn't stop!), iPad for quick email communication and tweeting/Facebooking, my DSLR for the swanky shots I wanted, my iPhone and Samsung Galaxy II for Instagramming and my Sparq battery pack to keep all of those charged up.

: Uneeka Jay, <a href="https://twitter.com/powermommy" target="_blank">@powermommy</a>, founder and president of Powerful Media Group On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… I needed to hear from my peers and share with my peers. Through this sharing all involved walked away ready to move forward in their business. Blogalicious gave me… The opportunity to bounce business ideas off of people who are successful in areas I am working toward. In exchange, I was able to share my insights on the areas which I am successful. The tech tools that never left my side… My iPhone. I used it for everything! That includes, but is not limited to, taking photos of my experience, shooting videos (like Doug E. Fresh), calling friends to connect, tweeting, updating Facebook, taking notes in Evernote, scanning QR codes on conference attendee badges and reviewing the conference schedule.

: Eric Payne, <a href="https://twitter.com/EPayneTheDad" target="_blank">@EPayneTheDad</a>, social media strategist and founder of <a href="www.makesmewannaholler.com/" target="_blank">MakesMeWannaHoller.com</a> On why my attendance at Blogalicious 2012 was essential… The opportunity to learn was too great to allow for scheduling conflicts. Additionally, at this year's conference, I was more than an attendee; I was a presenter and the conference photographer. Blogalicious gave me… More confidence in my knowledge and experience as a blogger and a brand, and my ability to package and share both for the benefit of others. I was also amazed by the overwhelming kindness present in everyone I met. The tech tools that never left my side… My iPhone, which allowed me to update Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, take notes on Instagram and connect with peers on social media on the fly, and a DSLR camera, which allowed me to visually document the entire experience.