Ford Brings Together Natural Hair Industry Experts for Panel at Bronner Brothers International Hair Show & Convention

DEARBORN, Mich., July 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

• Ford is the presenting sponsor of the 67th annual Bronner Brothers International Hair Show & Convention, which kicks off this weekend in Atlanta
• Ford is bringing together some of the country's top natural hair industry experts for a panel discussion hosted by LaTavia Roberson of R&B Divas Atlanta and a Grammy Award winner
• Ford will give away the keys to a 2015 Mustang to a Bronner Brothers attendee, while participants can experience and learn about Ford's newest products in a fun and meaningful atmosphere. Test drives, including the new 2015 Expedition, will be offered – along with an interactive booth display and surprise celebrity appearances

This weekend the city of Atlanta will be abuzz with thousands of hair industry professionals as part of the 67th annual Bronner Brothers International Hair Show & Convention. Ford, an 11-year collaborator on the trade show, will be there to shine the spotlight on the business and activity centered around the natural hair care industry as part of its involvement in this year's show.

The panel, "The Business of Natural Hair: Changing Landscape or Trend?" will be hosted by LaTavia Roberson of R&B Divas Atlanta and a Grammy Award winner. Panelists include Jane Carter, CEO of Jane Carter Solutions; Tamika Day and Jamal Edmonds, natural hair stylists and 2013 Ford Top Ten Winners; and Lexi, founder of natural hair blog www.lexiwiththecurls.com.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide the forum around a conversation that is so relevant within the beauty industry as a whole," said Shawn Thompson, manager, Ford Multicultural Marketing. "This panel discussion will not only generate dialogue, but it will hopefully provide industry professionals with additional information that will help their respective businesses continue to thrive and adapt to the ever-changing beauty landscape."

Bronner Brothers, which is billed as the largest cosmetology trade event of its kind, will take place at Georgia World Congress Center, Aug. 2-5, 2014. Ford's natural hair panel will take place Sunday, Aug. 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. In addition to showcasing new industry tools, trends and technology, the convention features educational classes, competitions and entertainment events targeting licensed barber and beauty professionals.

As part of its collaboration, Ford will provide an opportunity for attendees to drive some of its latest products, like the new 2015 Expedition. In addition, one Bronner Brothers attendee will walk away with keys to the all-new 2015 Mustang.

"Ford's commitment to diversity and inclusion is integrated across every aspect of the company," said Thompson. "Through efforts with trusted brands like Bronner Brothers, we maintain the ability to drive deeper brand connections with multicultural consumers. This year marks the continuation of an exciting collaboration that celebrates black culture and its influence on creative beauty trends around the globe."

Throughout the show, interactive activities will take place at the Ford display, including giveaways and surprise celebrity appearances.

"We are introducing new ideas that put Ford front and center, while also re-energizing Bronner Brothers' commitment to our core audience -- most of whom are professional stylists and barbers seeking education and networking," said Gerald Render, vice president, marketing, Upscale Magazine. "With Ford at the helm as presenting sponsor again, we have an extraordinary opportunity to deliver an experience that celebrates African American beauty and culture like no other."

Be sure to join the social conversation throughout the weekend by using hashtag #fordup and #BBHappyHair.

To learn more about Ford's newest products, log on to www.ford.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 186,000 employees and 65 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products worldwide, please visit http://corporate.ford.com.

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SOURCE Ford Motor Company