9 questions about your journey for Connect’s 9th birthday 🎉

Maximilianozalazar · July 31, 2025, 2:12am

Where are you from?

Hello, I’m from Argentina

When did you join Connect?

I joined Connect in 2016, and I got involved when I found out about the ArgentinaLocalGuide group, where I met diverse and wonderful people .

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

One day, I received an email and searched for Local Guide on Instagram, and I found @Jesi 's profile. I got in touch with her, and we started getting to know all the amazing members.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?

I love checking Connect during my daily commute on the train or when I have some downtime to catch up on readings.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?

Yes, I’ve had the opportunity to host and participate in several Meetups, and I especially enjoy the ones focused on sustainability and recycling .

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

My favorite moments in the Meetups are when we get to enjoy food, try new menus, and take photos for Google Maps with like-minded people - it’s the best .

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

I love the community’s communication style, it’s so respectful, and we get to share our different cultures with each other.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?

One feature I’d love to see added is a birthday greeting function , as I enjoy wishing people a happy birthday on their special day.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.

I’ve been thinking about promoting the Connect program in my local area, which is outside the capital city, as it’s a zone with a growing food scene. I’d love to unite people and share information about local spots and events.

Raj_Tayade · July 31, 2025, 7:26am

Hi @Julie_A
Here are my answers

Where are you from?I’m from
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) Maharashtra, India
When did you join Connect?I joined Connect on April 22, 2020 which means I’ve been enjoying in-person and virtual meetups with my Local Guides friends for 5 years now.
How did you learn about Connect in the first place? I found information about Connect while reviewing on Google Maps.
What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect? I used to watch Connect occasionally at first, once a week. My first Meet-ups in Mumbai was on March 2024th. But after that it became a routine. I got some LG friends from Mumbai and Pune there, who gave me more information about it.
Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect? Yes, I’ve hosted more than 40 Local Guides meetups, not only in Maharashtra, Delhi Bangalor
What’s your favorite moment on Connect?My favorite moment on Connect was receiving the selection email for Contributor Conversation in Gurgaon. October 1, 2024, and ConnectLIVE:Bangalore September 18 & 19, 2025 great moment for me
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love. My favorite feature on Connect is Meet-ups. Connect with new friends, learning from each other’s experiences , all of this wouldn’t be possible without meetups, whether virtual or in person. !
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could? If You should add regional languages to Connect.
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.This year, I’m organized more Meet-ups in person or online add more local business in Google maps

shaileno · July 31, 2025, 7:39am

Congrats Dada @Raj_Tayade for invitation

NandKK · July 31, 2025, 7:46am

Hey @Julie_A .. this is really great. I wish to congratulate everyone for the 9th Anniversary of Connect.

While India is my homeland, my personal map is a vibrant tapestry of diverse cities. My native place is Aurangabad, Bihar, a place of deep cultural heritage. My hometown is Ranchi, Jharkhand. For a significant 15 years, Mumbai, the bustling city of dreams, was my home. And currently, I am living in Kolkata, the City of Joy. This journey across various Indian cities has given me a unique perspective on local nuances and hidden gems, which I love to share on Google Maps.

2. When did you join Connect?
My exciting journey with Connect began in August 2017, a moment I vividly recall as it coincided with a pivotal email from Google. It was then that I officially received the recognition of becoming a Local Guide, opening the door to a whole new world of community and collaboration.

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
My initial foray into the Google Maps ecosystem was driven by a simple desire to contribute and help others navigate their world. As my contributions grew, I received an email from Google Maps, formally inviting me to join the Local Guide program. Within that very email was a fascinating notification: an invitation to Connect, the community platform where I could discover fellow Local Guides from my city and beyond. Upon joining, I quickly realized that Connect was far more than just a forum; it was a vibrant universe, brimming with passionate individuals dedicated to improving the map and sharing their experiences. It truly felt like unlocking a new dimension of engagement.

4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Connect isn’t just a platform for me; it’s a constant companion. While I don’t have a rigid schedule, I seize every available moment to dive into “what’s new.” Whether I’m commuting, traveling, unwinding before bed, or even snatching a few minutes during a break at the office, I find myself drawn to the latest discussions, inspiring stories, and insightful contributions from fellow Local Guides. It’s truly a source of inspiration and connection that fits seamlessly into the rhythm of my day.

5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Absolutely! Meet-ups are, for me, the heart and soul of the Connect experience. I’ve had the immense pleasure of attending numerous meet-ups, absorbing knowledge and forging connections. More significantly, I’ve had the honor of hosting multiple successful meet-ups, not just in my long-time city of Mumbai, but also in diverse locations like Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Varanasi, and Ranchi. These gatherings have been instrumental in building local communities, fostering friendships, and collectively enhancing our contributions to Google Maps.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
It’s genuinely challenging to pick just one, as Connect has gifted me an abundance of cherished memories, from the joy of hosting vibrant meet-ups to the incredible honor of being invited to the Google Mumbai office for the launch of the Neighborly app. However, if I must choose, my absolute favorite and most recent moment on Connect is the exhilarating news of my selection for Connect Live Bangalore 2025! The anticipation of finally meeting so many wonderful friends whom I’ve known and interacted with for years, but only virtually, is simply electrifying. This opportunity to connect in person, share stories, and celebrate our collective passion is truly a dream come true.

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Without a doubt, my favorite feature on Connect is “Meetups.” In my opinion, the very essence of our community—meeting new friends, nurturing long-lasting friendships, and enriching each other through shared experiences—would simply not be possible without the power of meet-ups, be they virtual or in-person. While virtual gatherings have their place, I unequivocally prefer in-person meet-ups.

8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I have a multitude of ideas brewing, but if I had to choose just one, I would strongly advocate for a dedicated “Idea” feature on Connect. This would serve as a centralized hub where any Local Guide could seamlessly share their innovative suggestions for enhancing both Connect and Google Maps for global users. While I’ve previously submitted a few feature requests under the “Google Maps tips & tricks” category—such as “Putting Street Vendors / Micro Business on the Google Maps: A Local Guide’s Vision,” “Unlocking Potential: Proposing Guilds and Mentorship for Local Guides,” “Enhancing Contribution Quality with AI-Powered Feedback for Local Guides,” and “Map Missions: Proactive, AI-Guided Contributions”—I believe a specific “Idea” feature would ensure these valuable insights reach the relevant decision-makers more effectively. Specifically, I truly believe the “Unlocking Potential: Proposing Guilds and Mentorship for Local Guides” concept warrants a thorough review by the Connect developer teams.

9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, my primary focus on Connect, and indeed on Google Maps, will be to contribute extensively towards hospital and healthcare facilities. I firmly believe this is a critical segment where accurate and comprehensive information is paramount. In times of urgent need, users often struggle to find the precise details they require, and I want to play a significant role in bridging that gap. By meticulously mapping and updating these essential locations, I aim to ensure that vital information is readily available when it matters most, truly making a difference in people’s lives.

TravellerG · July 31, 2025, 9:37am

1. Where are you from?
I am from God’s Own Country, Kerala, India (Alleppey District).

2. When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect on the 22nd of June 2017

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I received the mail from the Google Team regarding LG Connect, and I joined.

4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Since I am a retired person, usually by 11 am IST, I start with LG Connect, Google Maps, and other Local Guides connected community activities till 7 pm.

5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
As a “Meet-up Champion”, I have attended/organised/hosted hundreds of meetups. I have even travelled thousands of km to attend physical meetups.

6. What’s your favourite moment on Connect?
There are many favourite moments in my stay of over 8 years on LG Connect. “Guiding Star” and “Meet-up Champion” announcements are two of them.

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
The ability to connect with fellow LGs globally gives me immense pleasure.

8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
A feature to “Automatically send a circular ‘Email Inviting’ all Local Guides staying near/around the 'Meet-up Point’. Many more LGs will be informed, and this will make the meetups much more effective and inclusive.

9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Planning to publish more quality posts about Indian Heritage and Culture…and more…

Ssiddharth2000 · July 31, 2025, 9:45am

It’s been an amazing and inspiring journey of yours dear @TravellerG sir. Congratulations, my best wishes for many more meet-ups and posts. You continue to guide and inspire so many fellow LGs from across the world. Thank you for everything you do.

OliverKIWI · July 31, 2025, 10:07am

@Julie_A

Where are you from? Auckland, New Zealand, Aotearoa.
When did you join Connect? I think it’s 2015. I got 2TB Google Drive use for two years.
How did you learn about Connect in the first place? I think I got an email at some point and the rest is history.
What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect? I normally do this after I cooked dinner, fed my cats, and brewed my favourite tea, say 7:30pm…ish. However, occasionally I check Connect if I have a notice…even during my work…ssssssh!
Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect? History is in the making. I have just advirtised my very first hybrid meet up. I am soooooo looking forward to it!
What’s your favorite moment on Connect? When your question is answered, when your problem is solved, when you have support from people all over the world, when you know you are not alone, when you helped other, when you made the change, when you are the change you want to be.
Tell us about one Connect feature that you love. I like the way I can search a lot of posts, I also Iike I can choose the location of my own interest.
What one feature would you add to Connect if you could? Live streaming perhaps?!
Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year. I want to host meet up on a regular basis. Meet up is everything and everywhere all at once:) Our community is booming as never before!

SumaiyaZafrin · July 31, 2025, 2:06pm

Thank you @Julie_A

Here I am…

Where are you from?
I’m from Bangladesh. Right now, I live in Malaysia with my husband, Pavel Sarwar. I spent my childhood in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In Malaysia, I’m doing research on assistive technology for students with learning disabilities.

When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect at the very beginning as one of the first beta testers. My ID was 69.

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I got an email from the Local Guides team inviting me to join as a beta tester.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I visit Connect almost every day to see what’s new.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes, I often attend and host meet-ups.

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
One of my best moments was when I became a Guiding Star. Another proud moment was when my husband and I were featured in Google’s official blog as “the couple that guides together.” I was also very happy when I got featured on International Women’s Day as an inspiring woman. I love reading posts about food and travel — they inspire me a lot!

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love the “Connections & Celebrations” feature. It helps us celebrate other Local Guides’ achievements and connect with the community.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I would like to see posts sorted by country, so we can easily find what Local Guides from each country are sharing. Also, I think there should be a pop-up on Google Maps encouraging users to join Connect.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, I plan to share stories about women-led businesses, accessible places, and hidden natural beauty. I also want to highlight inspiring Local Guides couples from around the world.

MerlinThomas · July 31, 2025, 2:39pm

@Julie_A My answers -
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Kerala, and I currently reside in Pune, India.
2. When did you join Connect?
The first time I joined Connect on April,2024 was to post Dining in style at the World’s First Broad-gauge Rail Coach Restaurant. Since then, I’ve attended meetups, written posts, participated in challenges, won badges, and hosted meet-up.
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I was scrolling through the website while checking out information about a place, and I came across a Connect post by someone. That’s how I discovered it. After sharing a post about a place I was fascinated by, I really enjoyed the engagement from fellow Local Guides, so I’ve been active ever since.
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Throughout the day, I visit Connect multiple times. My time is always taken to read posts, leave comments, and interact with the community, whether it’s a quick break at work, breakfast in the morning, or relaxing after dinner. I’ve made it a part of my daily routine.
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
It was my pleasure to host two meetups. The latest meetup I hosted was Celebrating 9 Years of Connect - Pune - Local Guides Meetup 2025 on July 27. I have attended several in-person and virtual meet-ups.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
My favorite Connect experiences are when I take part in challenges that takes me back to the locations I’ve visited. They allow me to revisit such moments. I also enjoy finding hidden treasures around me by reading about them on other people’s posts!
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
The feature I love most on Connect is the badge. I get really excited every time I earn a new badge. It’s a great way to feel appreciated and see my journey in the community.
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
If it were up to me, I’d introduce weekly challenges on Connect, along with a community poll to decide the winning post. It would make participation more fun and engaging for everyone.
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, I want to highlight hidden local spots, support small businesses and provide more in-depth travel experiences including accessibility and sustainability. I also want to participate in more challenges and connect with fellow Local Guides through meetups.

ModNomad · July 31, 2025, 3:45pm

@Julie, Thanks heaps! A peek at my answers shows why I’m Connect 9th Birthday’s indispensable Voice? 7 years of real impact—building bonds & fortifying friendships.

Without melody a birthday bash is not just imperfect but incomplete. Catch hold of my musical spark to fuel your passion to make Connect’s 9th birthday a blast. I pep up drab meet-ups to make them delightful.

9 notable replies reveal why you can’t afford to miss my ve vibes that trigger joy!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q1. Where are you from?
I am from New Panvel, the true gateway to Konkan gifted with a perfect blend of city life and countryside natural beauty. Blessed with the biggest rail junction and Navi Mumbai’s international airport soon opening its gates, it’s a dream come true for avid wanderers and Local Guides like me. Come explore!

Q2. When did you join Connect?
My journey with Connect jumpstarted on June 6, 2018, birth date of my teenage favorite – tennis’s living legend Bjorn Borg. Like him, I’m intensely focused aiming for my best, setting benchmarks & driving continuous growth!

Q3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Well, it all started with a bit of a mystery! Those days a fellow Local Guide dropped a hint about this “secret society” for people who love mapping. I was curious, so I just followed the clues, and boom – here I am in this amazing community exponentially growing my list of compassionate connections. It is definitely the best thing ever happened to me!

Q4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Evening 5 to 6 PM IST, that’s my sweet spot! Right after that tiresome 9-to-5 grind, diving into updates is delight – my ultimate stress-buster. Besides, simultaneously wishing “good night,” “good afternoon,” and “good morning” to fellow Local Guides across the planet when its evening here chilling on my couch is pure magic!

Q5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Apart from attending numerous meets, supporting fellow Local Guides in crafting memorable meet-ups brings me genuine joy. Their organizational prowess has triggered my own desire to host a one-of-its-kind #MahaMumbaiMeet as quoted in Ans-9 below.

Above 20,000 Miles traversed to treasure countless LG Smiles - See Why?
Regardless of distance, I visit far-off places in my big country Bharat (India) to blend with local guides in person because I believe physical meetings bolster bonds better than virtual ones. Be it Vadodara’s 7th Connect Birthday Bash, Poem on Pune’s Heritage Hustle , Sonnet on Surat’s Mega Meetup, the Mumbai’s cave meetup, Pune’s iconic 50th meet, or Patan Gujarat’s golden jubilee gathering – my musical & poetic vibes are something LG friends eagerly look forward to.

But, what’s my favorite part? When out-of-town LGs come down, I’m their personal guide, ensuring a smooth, safe transit from the rail head or airport to the event venue. That’s a job I truly love. If there’s one thing I’ve proven it’s that influence doesn’t need a spotlight to grow. But when given the stage, it shines even brighter.

No wonder, I’m the sought-after LG for selfies as I love to proudly put up the pins collected at various meet-ups across the country – aptly hailed as the pin man of India.

Most Photographed Local Guide @ModNomad’s Myriad of Moods

Q6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
That moment every mid-month when @AdamGT’s leaderboards come out? Pure excitement! Consistently ranked in the global Top 5 for years, based on overall points, and highest number of edits to maps aren’t just numbers to me. Its proof of the countless stories shared, communities enriched, and lives made better through reliable local knowledge. These aren’t just points; they’re my proud footprints of progress pushing me further for continuous improvement!

Seriously, it was awesome finally meeting the bigwigs Googler @Latika_Malhotra, soft-spoken MeetUp Champion @TravellerG, India’s pioneer Moderator @TusharSuradkar, vibrant Moderator @NareshDarji, and Mumbai Moderator @Globe_trotter_Ish. Obsessed with eternal learning, there’s so much to learn & gain valuable insights from them.

What really sticks with me is the incredible warmth and hospitality from TravellerG. I travelled 1200 miles both sides to spend quality time with him in Bengaluru, and he made me feel completely at home. Since we both share the love of music, we just had to jam out and make some divine tunes together! It is an unforgettable visit.

Q7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
All the new Connect features are great, but the one I absolutely fell in love with is the sheer simplicity of drafting posts! I can now perfectly format my content outside Connect in convenient Microsoft Word, complete with all the hyperlinks embedded, and just copy-paste the whole thing directly into Connect. No more fiddling around, painstakingly selecting words in the draft window just to add a link. It’s truly hassle-free and so intuitive!

Q8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
A feature where we can search the connect id vis-à-vis name of local guides on the basis of their state & country.

Q9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Caught up in Connect’s festive vibe and the infectious gusto of our local guides, I’m thrilled to announce plans for a truly magical Maha Mumbai Meet-up right in the heart of City of Dreams this pleasant December! All the more, to showcase India’s deep cultural heritage based on fascinating scientific foundations, I desire to start an exciting new Connect series using hashtags #TempleVibes, #TempleWhispers. Join me on this journey!

It would be an honor to bring my enthusiasm to this noteworthy 9th birthday celebration. And more than that, I would be proud to stand alongside the world’s finest Local Guides, championing the spirit that brought us all together in the first place.

Warmest Regards,

Deepak B. Modgekar

NituGogoi · July 31, 2025, 5:28pm

I am so glad to be a part of this amazing celebration. Thanks a lot @Julie_A for this great initiative

My short journey on connect✍

Where are you from?

Gujarat - India

When did you join Connect?

June 2024

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

Via email

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?

Weekday at the lunch time, weekend and sometimes midnight under the moonlight

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?

Yes, attended two meetups in-person and virtual meetups

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

Meetups - informative and interactive discussion

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

Storytelling via posts and pictures. Gained knowledge of new places.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?

A filter notification, meetups near your location.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.

Join many meetups, participate challenges, writing new topics, hosting meetups.

#AlwaysGrateful #HappyBirthdayConnect #Happy9YearsOfConnect

Shaunak · July 31, 2025, 5:40pm

1. Where are you from?
I am from Kolkata, India.

2. When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect on October 28, 2024.

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Before joining the Local Guides program, I was watching videos related to it on YouTube where people were showing their gifts given by Google and also mentioning the Connect platform.

4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
In a day, whenever I get a chance, I check it; even waking up in the morning, I first check what’s new on Connect. In an hour, I check it at least 4-5 times. Even there are nights when I suddenly wake up and check it.

5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes, I have attended many and also hosted many meet-ups on Connect; even in August, I am planning to host at least 10 meet-ups.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
When I received a new badge on Connect and when I shared my work, and other local guides started recognizing and appreciating it, these two were 2 of my favorite moments. My most favorite moment was when I received the invitation for ConnectLIVE: Bangalore on July 10, 2025.

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love the feature that differentiates the latest topics from trending topics. It makes it easier for readers to find and read the types of topics they are looking for.

8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I would like to create an anti-spam group that will keep an eye on whoever spams the platform or posts anything that violates the Connect policy; then this team will have the power to delete that comment or topic. By this, I want to contribute to maintaining the decorum of this platform more efficiently and promote love and harmony.

9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Although every day I am coming up with new ideas to share on Connect, this year I have something even more special. So recently, I have launched an initiative, Map Mentors, with the aim of bringing some awesome, yet unnoticed, contributions of Google Maps to the limelight and honoring them. There will be exciting challenges, quizzes, games, workshops, and more, offering special certifications and rewards too.

MortenCopenhagen · July 31, 2025, 5:44pm

Hi @Shaunak

I’m moving your replies to the relevant topic.

Cheers

Shaunak · July 31, 2025, 5:44pm

Oh yes @MortenCopenhagen sure sure.

Shaunak · July 31, 2025, 5:40pm