This year marks my 8th anniversary as a Local Guide, and that’s the photo that started it all!! What a journey it’s been. The absolute highlight? Without a doubt, recently being invited to and attending Connect Live NYC 2025.
It all started with a simple email from Google, prompting me to share photos of my visit to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Little did I know that one photo would spark an incredible adventure.
Connect Live 2025 was an unforgettable experience. The opportunity to learn about new Google Maps features, connect with fellow Local Guides from around the world, and feel the incredible energy and inspiration in every room was truly mind-blowing. It was an honor to be recognized for my personal contributions, and I’m incredibly grateful for the hospitality and thoughtfulness of the Google Events team.
Thank you to the entire Local Guides community for making this journey so rewarding. Here’s to many more years of exploring, sharing, and connecting!
Congratulations @Mikeinthefalls for your amazing contributions to Google Maps. 1 billion isn’t easy to come by- that’s dedication.
Keep guiding better.
This is great, @Mikeinthefalls. Congrats on the anniversary. You’ve accomplished so much! It’s been awesome getting to know you here, and it was an absolute gift to meet you and @MelTG in person. Keep on going, man. Don’t be scared of Level 10. Those LGs might knock you down a few notches on the Leaderboards, but as the wise @TerryPG once said to me, “What’s taking you so long?”
Congratulations my good friend @Mikeinthefalls I have always enjoyed your contributions and have learned from you “Mr. Lean and Mean”
You deserved the trip to Connect live.
@Mikeinthefalls amazing journey and great achievement.
It is even more impressive considering the selective approach you took with contributions.
Well done for being called to connect live and meeting all our top friends.
Hope the live tradition will continue and many others will follow.
It sure seems to have energised the community after a somewhat somber 2024.
It is a great community indeed.
Congratulations @Mikeinthefalls to be recognized for your personal contributions at such a prestigious event. I’m so pleased that you had this opportunity and experience at an event where you could feel the energy, passion and inspiration in a room with so many like minded and passionate others.
Many thanks to you @Mohdmohdaljaman. I have to say I really enjoyed your photos with the stone roof supports and the one looking up through the chimney shaft, into the clouds! I look forward to reading your next post.
Thank you @EmekaUlor Yes, it took many years of sharing and contributing, but knowing that I’ve aided over 1 billion people… Definitely makes it all worth it!
I accept the challenge and look to be a better LG, each day
Thanks @JustJake Much appreciated! Your all encompassing view as a Local Guide has always inspired me to create and contribute in new and different ways, thank you for that as well.
Such a treat to finally meet my buddy Jake, especially at such an incredible event - raised the bar a few notches higher on the “Awesome” Meter
While reaching level 10 is definitely in the long range forecast, @TerryPG and the rest of y’all will have to wait a good bit longer… I’m only 800 points into level 8 and you know I’m not out here chasing points. All my best, yo!
Congrats on your 8 years @Mikeinthefalls.
Looks like you ve been busy.
Glad that you were able to attend at Connect Live NYC.
A billion views is a huge accomplishment. May you continue to have many more.
Thanks so much @TerryPG I’m still very much looking forward to meeting up with you, one day soon! You’ll have to let my know the next time you’re heading to Florida with enough notice to join
I’m glad that my “lean & mean” philosophy has benefited your contributions. The feeling is mutual - your photo analysis made me a better Maps photographer! It won’t be to the level of Connect Live, but you have a permanent invite to any and every Meetup I may host.
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation @abermans I’ve enjoyed getting to know you via Connect and have learned from your shares!
As you are well aware, I stepped back a bit in 2024. But committed myself to getting back at it in 2025 and realized just how much I’ve missed not just contributing… But the frequent interactions with you and so many others on this forum. You were spot on with your statement - this is a wonderful community!
I hope all the top crew gets an opportunity to experience a Connect Live event and hope that I’m there to share in it with y’all.
That’s such a nice recap of your Local Guides journey so far! I’m glad you had a great time in NYC!
Just wanted to let you know that I removed the Women@LocalGuides tag from your topic as it’s intended for content that features the stories and achievements of women Local Guides in our community. Thanks for your understanding!
from just over 800 photos.
Much appreciated! Your all encompassing view as a Local Guide has always inspired me to create and contribute in new and different ways, thank you for that as well. 
All my best, yo!
I’m still very much looking forward to meeting up with you, one day soon! You’ll have to let my know the next time you’re heading to Florida with enough notice to join 
Connect Live NYC looks so amazing