FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND IMPERIAL HEADWEAR ANNOUNCE LICENSING AGREEMENT FOR NEW HEADWEAR COLLECTION
Includes High-Performance Hats To Be Field-Tested by National Geographic Explorers

WASHINGTON, DC (January 2003)—The National Geographic Society™ announces a licensing agreement with Imperial Headwear, Inc. to create and market an innovative headwear collection. Technical features, such as protection from ultra-violet rays and rain, make the collection ideal for enjoying sports activities and backyard barbecues as well as exploring exotic locations around the world.

The line, available in late spring at specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada, will feature a wide range of high performance hats. To ensure comfort and protection, these styles incorporate thermo-regulating qualities designed to keep heads either warm or cool as required by weather conditions; water- resistant materials; and protection from ultra-violet rays.

In addition, the collection will include an array of styles and fabrics designed for adults and children, with some featuring images inspired by the millions of archived National Geographic photographs. National Geographic's net proceeds support vital exploration, conservation, research and education programs.

"This agreement supports our goal to join with leading manufacturers to develop products that mirror the Society's philosophy of excellence," said John Dumbacher, Senior Vice President, National Geographic Licensing. "We think this line of functional yet fashionable hats will appeal to a broad range of consumers and retailers."

As part of its "Gear on Assignment™" program, National Geographic's explorers, researchers, photographers and filmmakers will field-test National Geographic hats in many of the world's great habitats. They will provide input on the direction of the products to ensure the products are authentic and functional.

John Bond, President of Imperial Headwear said; "Imperial views this association as both an honor and a unique merchandising opportunity. We think that the combination of a brand and image as powerful as National Geographic and our outstanding product development capabilities will equate to instant and sustainable retail success."

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Its mission is to increase global understanding and promote conservation of our planet through exploration, research, and education. Founded in 1888 for the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge, National Geographic reflects the world through magazines, television programs, books, videos, maps, interactive media, and merchandise. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine, the Society's official journal, published in 20 languages, is read by 40 million people each month in every country in the world. The National Geographic Channel reaches more than 200 million households in 25 languages in 144 countries. Nationalgeographic.com averages around 44 million page views per month. National Geographic has funded over 7,000 scientific research projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy.

National Geographic Enterprises includes licensing, a catalog business, online commerce and retail. These units oversee the merchandise related to the National Geographic brand worldwide. To learn more about National Geographic, log onto www.nationalgeographic.com, AOL Keyword: NatGeo.

Imperial Headwear, founded in 1916, is the leading supplier of premium, high-performance headwear to the golf, flyfishing and general outdoor markets worldwide. Over 6,000 active Imperial customers rely on superior service, a comprehensive selection and unsurpassed excellence in quality. Imperial is a division of Arena Brands in Dallas, Texas.

CONTACT: Adrianne MacPherson
Corbin & Associates, Ltd.
+1 212 246 6515
Adrianne@corbinpr.com

Claire Moynihan
National Geographic
+1 202 857 7332
cmoyniha@ngs.org