(BLACK PR WIRE) — In recognition of Black History Month and in celebration of their continued partnership, Business Wire and Black PR Wire will launch their 2013 Minority Leadership Series showcasing the best of multicultural services and practices used by business professionals in the country.

The event includes two online webinars, free and open to the public with registration required, to highlight networking tools essential for effective media and public relations practitioners, and provide insight for new and seasoned communications professionals.

Part I, entitled Preparing for a Future in Communications, takes place on Wednesday, Feb. 20, from 1 - 2:30 p.m. EST.

The 90-minute webinar includes a panel of HBCU graduates working in newsrooms and leading PR/marketing departments from across the country. Speakers will share their best tips to help students and young professional communicators excel in the industry and maximize their collegiate and early career experiences for success, job opportunities, and leadership positions.

To register for the session visit 1.gotomeeting.com/register/324362504

art II, Leveraging Opportunities for Strategic Partnerships, includes a panel of marketing and communications professionals who will share their experience in leveraging business services through strategic partnerships. The 90-minute session is set for Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 1 - 2:30 p.m. EST. To register, visit 1.gotomeeting.com/register/921401105

Registered guests will also be able to follow the conversation or ask our panelists questions by tracking and including the #bwbprw hashtag on Twitter during the webinar. For more information, contact Vanessa Loy at 1-877-BLACKPR.

Free Small Business Expo Seminar

FORT LAUDERDALE — On Wednesday, Feb. 20, the City of Fort Lauderdale is hosting a free Small Business Expo and Business Education Seminar, at the City of Fort Lauderdale War Memorial Auditorium, 800 N.E. Eighth St., Fort Lauderdale.

The expo opens to the public at 4 p.m. and will feature professionals in advertising, arts and entertainment, banking, business consulting, consumer goods, design, education, email and web development, fashion, government, gifts/promotional products, health services, insurance, international business, investments, jewelry, marketing, medical, not-for-profits, printing, real estate, technology, telecommunications, tourism and travel.

Space is limited. To reserve a seat call 954-828-4752 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it To learn more about the series, visit fortlauderdale.gov