In this episode of Train to Gain, Erin Raitt and Katie Merrill sit down with Amy Bailey, founder of Unusually Unusual Consulting and co-founder of the Channel Marketing Association. Together, they dive into the art of making the most of channel events, MDF spend, and personal branding strategies that keep you top of mind long after the conference ends.

What You’ll Hear

• The story behind the name Unusually Unusual Consulting—and how a Lonestar song inspired Amy’s brand.
• Amy’s three focus areas: large-scale events, partner websites, and strategic channel marketing consulting.
• Practical strategies for securing and re-securing MDF funding by proving ROI.
• Tips for maximizing event investments before, during, and after the conference.
• A fun look at swag that actually works—yes, reader glasses and pillboxes made the list!

Key Takeaway

Success in channel marketing isn’t just about showing up, it’s about planning intentionally, following up with purpose, and leaving behind something memorable. From pre-event networking to post-event ROI reporting, Amy shares actionable strategies to turn one-time sponsorships into lasting partnerships.

Call to Action

Loved this episode? Subscribe to Train to Gain on your favorite podcast platform and follow us for more insights on training, product adoption, and real-life stories from the channel. Don’t forget to share this episode with a colleague who could use fresh ideas for their next event!