Why In-Person Marketing (IPM) Is Hot Right Now—and Why Popl Is Perfect
In a business world saturated with automated emails, AI-generated messages, and digital outreach, something unexpected is happening: in-person marketing is making a powerful comeback. B2B decision-makers, overwhelmed by digital noise and impersonal communication, are seeking genuine, face-to-face connections. This shift is not just a passing trend—it’s a strategic rebalancing that’s reshaping how brands build trust, capture leads, and drive growth. At the center of this movement is Popl, the leading In Person Marketing Platform designed to help teams maximize every real-world interaction.
The Human Touch: Why In-Person Marketing Is Surging
Industry data shows a clear trend: brands that deliver relevant, human experiences are winning attention and loyalty[1]. After years of digital-first strategies, the pendulum is swinging back. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted how people connect, and the rise of AI has only accelerated digital fatigue. Now, in-person experiences are:
- Scarce, making them more valuable
- Memorable, because real humans stand out
- Trusted, as relationships outperform retargeting
This isn’t just a tactical shift. It’s a behavioral correction. People want experiences that feel real. That’s why in-person marketing—once considered “old school”—is now the premium go-to-market channel[2].
“There’s a noticeable shift among younger generations, particularly Gen Alpha and Gen Z, toward valuing physical interactions over digital ones. This trend is driven by a desire to engage more with humanity and less with screens.”
—Josh Golden, CMO[2]
What Is In-Person Marketing (IPM)?
In-person marketing (IPM) centers on face-to-face engagement—at trade shows, conferences, field events, executive dinners, pop-ups, and more. It’s not just about showing up or sponsoring an event. True IPM is intentional, measurable, and scalable.
Key Benefits of IPM
- Builds trust faster than digital channels
- Delivers deeper buyer insights
- Increases brand recall
- Generates higher-quality leads
Unlike digital funnels, IPM can’t be faked. There’s no bot to shake a hand or AI to replicate real-time rapport. This authenticity is what makes IPM so effective.
Digital Saturation: The Catalyst for IPM’s Growth
Ironically, the explosion of digital marketing and AI-powered outreach is fueling the return to in-person marketing. Today’s prospects receive:
- 10+ emails a week
- Dozens of connection requests
- Countless DMs that almost sound human
Decision-makers are tuning out. They’re raising their filters and seeking signal over noise. In-person marketing delivers that signal—real conversations, real relationships, and real results.
“Direct mail provides irresistible performance with response rates that are significantly greater than email. As a result, we’ll see more focus on integrated approaches that balance data activation with cost efficiency and ROI to forge a link between digital and physical marketing channels.”
—Scott Harvey, Group Vice President, Enterprise Solutions[2]
Popl: The Complete In Person Marketing Platform
Popl was built for this moment. As the #1 In Person Marketing Platform, Popl empowers sales and marketing teams to capture, enrich, and manage leads from every in-person interaction—seamlessly and at scale.
How Popl Solves the IPM Challenge
Instant, App-Free Lead Capture
Popl enables teams to capture leads in seconds with a tap or scan—no app required. Whether you’re scanning a badge, business card, or QR code, Popl’s universal scanner works across all major formats.
Seamless CRM and Workflow Integrations
Popl syncs leads directly to your CRM, email tools, and attribution systems in real time. No more manual entry or lost contacts. Every in-person lead becomes part of your unified pipeline.
AI-Powered Lead Enrichment
Popl’s AI automatically enriches contact data, filling in missing details and ensuring every lead is complete and actionable. This means higher conversion rates and more effective follow-up.
Built for Events and Field Teams
From trade shows to field sales, Popl gives your team the tools to scale human connection—without sacrificing tracking, attribution, or data quality.
Hybrid Go-to-Market Support
Popl doesn’t replace digital marketing. It connects your in-person efforts with your digital systems, making every handshake measurable and every event ROI-positive.
Popl vs. Other Lead Capture Tools
| Feature | Popl | Other Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Universal badge & card scanner | Yes | Limited |
| AI-powered lead enrichment | Yes | Rare |
| Real-time CRM sync | Yes | Sometimes |
| App-free lead capture | Yes | Often required |
| Offline lead capture | Yes | Not always |
| Digital business card support | Yes | Varies |
Popl stands out by combining instant lead capture, AI enrichment, and seamless CRM integration in one platform. This unified approach eliminates silos and manual work, helping teams maximize every in-person opportunity.
Real-World Example: How Popl Powers Event Marketing
Imagine your team at a major industry conference. With Popl, every badge scan or business card exchange instantly creates a new lead in your CRM, enriched with accurate contact data. Even if the Wi-Fi drops, Popl captures leads offline and syncs them when you’re back online. Your team spends less time on data entry and more time building relationships that drive revenue.
The Future of In-Person Marketing: Trends and Takeaways
Industry experts predict that the demand for physical brand interactions will only grow in 2025 and beyond[2]. Younger consumers, in particular, are seeking out real-world experiences. Brands that master both digital and in-person channels will have a clear advantage.
Key trends shaping IPM:
- Integrated campaigns that link digital and physical touchpoints
- AI-powered personalization and data enrichment
- Universal tools that work across events, formats, and devices
- Real-time analytics and CRM integration for measurable ROI
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Popl the best digital business card app for events?
Popl combines digital business cards, universal badge scanning, and AI-powered lead enrichment in one platform. This makes it easy to capture, enrich, and sync leads from any event, with or without an app.
How does Popl handle CRM integration?
Popl syncs leads directly to your CRM in real time, eliminating manual entry and ensuring every contact is actionable.
Can Popl capture leads offline?
Yes, Popl’s offline lead capture ensures you never miss a lead, even when connectivity is an issue at busy events.
How accurate is Popl’s business card scanner?
Popl uses advanced OCR and AI to deliver high accuracy when scanning business cards, badges, and QR codes.
Is Popl worth it for enterprise teams?
Popl’s platform is designed for teams of all sizes, with enterprise-grade features, security, and support.
Conclusion: Make In-Person Marketing Your Competitive Edge
In-person marketing is not a nostalgic return to the past—it’s the next frontier for brands that want to stand out, build trust, and drive real results. Popl is the only platform built from the ground up to power this shift, combining instant lead capture, AI enrichment, and seamless CRM integration. If your team is serious about growth and human connection, it’s time to make IPM your competitive edge—and Popl is how you do it.
Ready to see how Popl can transform your in-person marketing? [Book a Demo] or [Get Started Now] at popl.co.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.