While in Washington, D.C., for a professional development event, PPB Associate Editor Jen Alexander visited member supplier National Geographic Books (PPAI 362233) and spoke with Bill O’Donnell, sales director, about ongoing work at the organization and its approach to building business through trade shows like The PPAI Expo.

“National Geographic Books are part of larger National Geographic Partners LLC, which includes the National Geographic Society—the global nonprofit scientific and education group that funds studies and exploration—and 21st Century Fox, which operates the National Geographic Channel,” Alexander says.

“One of the major benefits for NatGeo Books of being part of this group is the sharing of ideas and information across all channels to create complementary products for consumers. This means content that is developed as a result of the Society’s exploration and research initiatives can be reimagined for a number of media products, including books.”

Alexander also learned from O’Donnell how they go to market in the promotional products space and discussed ideas for growing interest among distributor attendees at Expo. “NatGeo Books has been an Expo exhibitor for 10 years now, and like so many of our member exhibitors, they are always brainstorming new ways to develop onsite relationships with attendees,” she says.