Laurelhurst Distributors, an Oregon-based regional distributor, will conduct a virtual trade show Jan. 8-26, 2024.
Supplier discounts and special offers during the show will be advertised on the company website by Dec. 15. Laurelhurst Distributors President Jeremy Chase said the company expects 85 suppliers to participate.
During the show, dealers visit Laurelhurst’s main website to gain access to a separate show website. Orders can be placed through the trade show site.
Chase said the company originally offered dealers booklets with supplier deals from which they placed orders. The distributor shifted online in 2020.
“When we moved it to the full virtual platform,” Chase said, “it has been even better and just seems to be growing every year.”
The distributor also held an in-person open house in October 2022. Chase said around 20 suppliers attended the event at Laurelhurst’s headquarters. The open house was a first step towards an in-person distributor trade show, Chase said.
Laurelhurst Distributors opened in 1962. The family-owned business was started by Chase’s grandfather, Mark Chase. The company began as a heating and cooling appliance service center.
Jeremy Chase said the company has grown from four employees to around 20 today. The distributor now works with 115 suppliers.
