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

[SholaIB]

Hello @Julie_A

Thank you for this topic and questions. This will get connect active again for a good while.

(1)Where are you from? Lagos-Nigeria.

(2)When did you join connect? I joined connect during the Covid Lockdown in Accra-Ghana. Specifically 23rd of April 2020. @KashifMisidia was the first moderator to welcome me. I was thrilled and we became friends.

(3)How did you learn about connect in the first place? I learnt about connect in the E-mail after I got my socks perks (Lol) in Accra Ghana.My first reaction and post on connect was Are there local guides in my locality?? I wanted to connect with them which I did and always do even now. I like to reachout to local guides in my physically locality. @Sagir was tagged and he connected me to local guides in Accra-Ghana.

(4)What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on connect? As a moderator I am constantly scrolling through the topics and contents on connect. I scroll through to see if there’s a newuser I can welcome or a question to answer from fellow Local guide,someone to congratulate on an achievement or even for a post to flag if necessary.I enjoy being a moderator and helping others in the community so much.

(5)Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on connect? Oh yes. I have organised about 40 meet-ups physical and virtual. I have some more planned later this year in maybe 3 countries in west Africa. Yes I attended a French speaking meet-up last week. It was impressive. @christophesubilia was the host.

(6)What’s your favourite moment on connect? I have had so many favorite moments. For instance when I was nominated a guiding star and Connect moderator. The best of them is being featured as a road champion of recent and I got a badge for it. It was a wow !!! It was a pleasant surprise never saw it coming and am so grateful for it.

(7)Tell us about one connect feature you like? I like the meet-up section of connect and the new RSVP which reads Going yes/No

(8)What one feature would you add to connect if you could? In the former connect we had some posts featured every week or so by the Googlers. I’ve had some of my posts featured and that encouraged me to share good contents. That is also a way of giving feedback to the community of local guides as to what is a good topic and what the Googlers approve of.

(9)Tell us one thing you are planning to share or do on connect? I am a local guide on the road (TRAC) I am planning to organise an event on Road mappers soon. Watch out for it !!!

[Laurent]

Hi everyone !
I think it’s my turn now ..

@Julie_A

Where are you from?

I’m togolese ( togo )

@Julie_A

When did you join Connect?

I’ve joined connect in March ( 03/2025)..

@Julie_A

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

I’ve learned about connect through email I’ve received from Google!

@Julie_A

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

For this one I think at anytime! ( ..I think have that feeling to constantly want to know what’s going on…

@Julie_A

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

Yeah since my first step here on connect I’ve attended three times an meeting but about hosting not yet, just watching and learning by now and think could host one in a few regarding what I’ve learned so far…

@Julie_A

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

Certainly being supported by an fellow, being involved to an discussion and mostly being on live ( on line meet up) with others..

( not yet had a chance to attend to an "in person "meet up..) I hope could jump up on an very soon.

@Julie_A

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

From what I’ve heard connect a few years ago wasn’t as well as, as cool as , as sweet as the new features ( version) I just imagine they didn’t have a lot which is available and featured now..so I’ll said that I’m fan of a lot features…but for specific details Id said the way we could host meeting is the most I appreciate and love.

@Julie_A

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

I’d say have a choice on long press on like symbol under reply to access either or or which exist or something like that which could explain different reactions towards an reply.. thanks.

@Julie_A

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

On this one I’d say I’ll look forward to share two of my last badges I’m running at a long times ago ( which appears as a challenge for me two last badges) .. something like that to show and share my joy and happiness on unlocking them…

[tagliaficojuan]

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Connect! es incredible la llegada que tiene y como se expande.

1. Río Negro, Patagonia - Argentina.
2. Me uní en el 2022 si no me falla, pero no fui constante aun así participo mucho en google maps reseñando lugares, agregando y actualizando es satisfactorio.
3. Me entere por medio de una publication, no entendía bien que función cumplía, pero me hizo recordar a los foros del 2012/13 y poder interactuar es increíble por eso aca estoy participando.
4. Generalmente a la mañana temprano me doy una vuelta y leo algunos posts, me encanta conocer lugares y de alguna manera los usuarios dan a conocer sus lugares a partir de compartir sus fotos.
5. Aun no, pero tengo la fe de poder participar, por temas laborales no puedo asistir, pero ojalá pueda conocerlos.
6. El poder ayudar a otras personas aportando lugares, rutas o con información.
7. El compartir conocimiento.

[deepakjhic]

Happy 9th Birthday, Local Guides Connect!

Wow @Julie_A, That’s sounds interesting. Here are mine,

@Julie_A

1. Where are you from?

I am from Sonipat, Haryana, India (hardly 8 miles from Delhi), Actively participating in Local Guides activities in both the states.

@Julie_A

2. When did you join Connect?

Jan 17, 2017, It was a day after my birthday when on Twitter and saw a tweet from the Local Guide team. Minutes later, I was a Local Guide. Earlier there was a button on the local guides main page (as of now it goes a bit down on the page)to enter Local Guides Connect to explore more and connect with like-minded Local Guides. More than 8 Years and still enjoying as a local guide.

@Julie_A

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

As I mentioned above, I found it the same day I became a local guide, and that day started of learning and helping others on the connect. Below, screenshot showing my profiles with a few badges. The second badge was given after 250 of mine helpful replies were marked as solution by the users(actually, there were more than 320, but the next badge was at 500). Please feel free to ignore my about section in this.

@Julie_A

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

From 2017 to 2022 there was no time frame for opening connect(my profile itself speaks) but 2022 came with some changes in the life and until the end of 2023 it was very low. Again, it all started in 2024 and having fun. In a session(in 2019) with Local Guide team I was asked about my favorite social media site, I mentioned that after joining connect I have removed Facebook from my mobile phone. Preferably, I look for the issues Local Guides are having, tried helping them along with reading their stories or journey throughout the program.

@Julie_A

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

Here is a link to the first meetup I hosted in Sonipat. Hello Local Guides From Haryana Let's meet up in Sonipat, You can see the ancient RSVP button on this page . I had hosted so many meetups in Delhi, Sonipat, Chittaurgarh, Muzaffarnagar & joined approx all the meetups in Delhi, 2 in Meerut city, 1 in Chandigrah, 1 in Karnal, 3 in Gurugram and many more (can’t recall).

@Julie_A

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

It will always be the selection email of Connect Live 2019. I was joyful the day I got that invitation, but due to visa issues I never met those amazing Local Guide.

@Julie_A

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

The tips and tricks section - it brings a few of issues of local guides and learn from others. Sometimes there are a few new things that local guides post and it helps the community.

@Julie_A

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

Please bring back the How-tos section. It would be the centralized section for local guides around the globe to ask their questions and get them answered. It will also be easy for mods to manage the forum.

@Julie_A

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

Me & the team looking forward to host the Asia One season 2. The things are still getting ready.
[Recap] ASIA ONE SUMMIT, New Delhi, India

And it would be more boring to read this reply, as I am going to mention that - I’ll be hunting all the issues local guides are having here on connect and on the maps. Comments like these, always kept me motivated.

I’ll be tagging a few local guides here for their constant thoughts & support, @AdarshUmangRaj @Shrut19 @Tejal @JMD9 @NareshDarji @AmbrishVarshney @ReshamDas @Csaba @JanVanHaver @Gurukrishnapriya @TravellerG @YK1001 (SampsonF) @MortenCopenhagen @Nimmi94 @StephenAbraham @IshantHP_ig @Briggs @SalmaanN @C_T @TPattanaik & @Ewaade_3A (for her valuable contribution towards the community)

#Moderators - Please let me know, if any of these images are not okay to share here.

Thank you for reading a long post till here.

[indahnuria]

Happy happy birthday dear Connect and thank you for the cool questions posed @Julie_A 9 amazing years with expanding happy family of Local Guides from different corners of the world! I will surely be back with the answers

[MohammadPalash]

Happy 9 years of Connect everyone, Congratulations @Julie_A All Googler and moderators,

1-Where are you from?

I am speaking from Munshiganj, a district adjacent to Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

2-When did you join Connect?

I joined the Connect Forum in 2018.

3-How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

I first learned about Connect from the Bangladesh Local Guide community.

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

I don’t have a specific time to come to the Connect forum, but I definitely come to Connect after waking up in the morning and freshening up to see my friends’ new experiences and gain experience.

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

Yes, I have joined multiple meetups of the Bangladesh Local Guide Community to gain some knowledge and experience and have learned something new, in continuation of that, I have hosted 5 meetups under the banner of the Bangladesh Local Guide Community.

6-What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

To be honest, I don’t have a favorite moment on Connect, but I have made great friends with some of the local guides I met through the Connect forum. It was even a pleasure to meet local guides from Nepal during my trip to Nepal.

7-Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.?

I am a travel enthusiast, a businessman by profession but a travel addict by passion. I am very happy to share my travel experiences on the Connect forum.

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

I want to add a new feature to Connect so that I can easily communicate with local guides in each country, maybe a chat box or some such option so that I can easily search and find local guides in a specific country. If I explain this feature, it is that we local guides travel to different countries at different times, so if any of the above features are added, local guides from different countries can be more sincere with each other.

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

My current plan for Connect is to organize multiple fruitful meetups like before, since I live in a village with less developed facilities, so I will work on how to connect marginalized people with Google Maps and the Connect forum, and also focus on how to further enrich Google Maps with the younger generation.

Some happy moments of the journey as a local guide and with the Bangladesh local guide community in the picture

#Bdlg #Localguidesbd #Bangladeshlocalguide #Happy 9 years of Connect! #localguideconnect #letsguide

[SetyawatiAnik]

Halo
Happy to be a part of big family members from big community.
Let me share about my self and i try to answer the question
1.Where you from?
I’am from Indonesia

2.When did you join Connect?
On 2020

3.How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
From email when I received notification for the opportunity to be selected to attend Connect Live in the Bay Area and the requirement was to have a writing in Connect

4.What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
About 30 minute/day but on depend when I have much time I will spend a lot time.

5.Have you attended or hosted a meet up on Connect?
Yes i’am,only attended the meet up.

6.What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
When I meet the new person from their comments in my articles and do communication with them even only with online.

7.Tell about one Connect feature that you love
Google Maps Contribution stories.

8.What one feature would you add if you could?
Today’s … birthday,share your best wishes to them (I hope Connect can accommodate Local Guides to share their birthdays and we can all celebrate their birthdays here, even if it’s just a greeting and a prayer, it means a lot to me personally and maybe the same feeling is felt by other LG colleagues).

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

My plan is share my story like always and try to more active in this community.

That’s my answer and thanks to this awesome article @Julie_A
Happy Birthday Connect

[NareshDarji]

I appreciate @Julie_A starting this interesting thread for Connect’s 9th birthday.
Happy Birthday to our beloved Connect!

Where are you from?
• I’m from Gujarat, India

When did you join Connect?
• 20th July 2016

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
• I was already contributing to Google Maps, and I saw an invitation email that led me to the Connect forum. It seemed like a natural extension to discuss and learn more with other Local Guides.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
• I usually check Connect every morning and evening after work, and more actively on weekends when I have extra time to read posts and engage with the community.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
• Yes, I’ve had the immense pleasure of organizing over 50 Local Guides meet-ups! I didn’t limit these to just my own city; I expanded them to all the cities in my state. My goal was always to connect the maximum number of Local Guides to this wonderful community, and it’s been so rewarding to see that happen.
Beyond hosting, I’ve also truly enjoyed attending meet-ups organized by my fellow Local Guides. It’s always a great chance to learn, share, and connect even further!

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
• It’s hard to pick just one, as this beautiful community has given me so many cherished moments! Some of my absolute favorites include being selected for Connect Live 2018 , the honour of serving as a Connect Moderator, becoming an Accessibility Champion, receiving the Guiding Star award in both 2020 and 2022, and even getting a congratulatory video from the Local Guides team for my 50th meet-up! Each of these moments has been incredibly special and has fueled my passion for contributing to Connect.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
• I absolutely love the Meet-ups feature on Connect! It’s fantastic because it brings Local Guides together in real life, creating memorable experiences and stronger connections beyond the screen.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
• Let’s start a regular shoutout. Weekly or monthly, to highlight Local Guides who are making a real difference in their communities.
It could be someone sharing great photos, adding accessibility info, hosting meet-ups, or helping small businesses. These amazing contributors deserve to be recognized and celebrated!

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
• My main goal for Connect this year is to build on the engaging momentum I’ve already initiated since January. I’m eager to implement several new ideas^[1][2][3] and activities to ensure our community continues to thrive with vibrant discussions and active participation.

---

1. Footnotes: Global Celebration Cards for the Local Guides 10th Anniversary! ↩︎

2. Footnotes: Celebrating 10 Years of Exploring Together and Creating Memories! ↩︎

3. Footnotes: From Every Corner of the Globe 🌏: Cheers to 10 Years of Local Guides! 🎉 ↩︎

[brianforever]

Happy 9th birthday Connect !
Awesome way to connect with others

1. Where are you from? Singapore, Simei
2. When did you join Connect? The Year 2020
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place? Via Email
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect? Whenever it appears in my Email inbox
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect? Nada, Been looking out for a live meetup/Gathering for Singapore Peeps but there isn’t any
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect? Badges Contests, Challengers and Awards
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love. Colorful and Engaging Posts and Topics
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could? A Live Chatbox to connect directly with Everyone
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year. Join Meetups near me and also post more frequently especially topics revolving around Food <3

[shaileno]

Happy Connect 9th Anniversary & Thanks for this wonderful Posts @Julie_A

1.Where are you from?

Ghaziabad (UttarPradesh) - India

2.When did you join Connect?

Joined Connect in 2017 but will be active from 2023

3.How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

Caption:- snapshot When I got a mail from Local Guide team.

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

Mostly morning & evening

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

Caption:-Photo frame about India Mega Meet-up At Delhi host by @ShreyaMusings
& Photo credit dear TG @TravellerG

Yes recently I attended the India Mega Meet-up Delhi, you can check HERE

Caption:- Participation virtual meet-up for TRAC campaign Hindi speaking localGuides as co-host, you can check HERE
&
Finally

Caption:- my first virtual meet-up Participation (Thanks @FalguniP )
.

Caption:- When I first attended @AdamGT sir T100 Leaderboard’s Virtual Mega Meetup.

6.What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

Caption:- Photo Frame about our community leader Dear @David_K

When I meet local guide team at contribution conversation 2024 GuruGram
&

Caption:- When i win My first Connect challenge Badge.
&

Caption:-When @AdamGT sir highlighted one of my Vrindavan photos on T100 leader board posts.
&

Caption:-When the captain @SholaIB made one of my small ideas come true for all the TRAC team members.
&

Caption:- When i earn my first solution badge (Thanks Dada @TusharSuradkar )
&

Caption:-When Googler @DeniGu recognized one of my poll entry on connect.
.

Caption:-When I got to hear and see good comments from my fellow Local Guide friends.
.

caption:- When I participated in the @JanVanHaver 's 5th Year Anniversary Let’s Guide podcast.

7.Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

Googlers initiative challenge

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

Local champion

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

I have planned and implemented my initiative of finding lesser known places or hidden gems in my local area. The first story is here. You can check it out HERE
Thanks & Have Nice Day.

[Cecilita]

Hi all, and happy anniversary to my Connect family!
Like in every family, sometimes we’re more present and connected, and other times we’re a little distant — but what matters most is that we’re always here for each other.

Here are my answers:

1. I’m from Buenos Aires City, Argentina.

2. I joined Connect in 2018.

3. I first heard about Connect when I received an email from Google inviting me to participate in the selection process for Connect Live 2018 and encouraging me to visit the forum.

4. I usually check Connect early in the morning before work, and again at night before going to bed. I don’t have a specific day — I visit whenever I feel inspired to read or share something.

5. I’ve hosted hundreds of in-person and virtual meet-ups, and attended so many more. There was even one summer in Buenos Aires when we had two or three meet-ups each week!

6. One of my favorite moments on Connect was receiving the email telling me I had been selected to attend Connect Live 2019 — a true dream come true!
   I was alone at home and started screaming and jumping like crazy — even my cat got scared by my excitement!
   Another special moment was during the pandemic, when I was chosen to record a video for the year-end celebration. I hosted a meet-up on camera and shared that incredible experience with fellow Local Guides from Buenos Aires. We had such a fun and memorable time together

7. I absolutely love meet-ups! I think they’re the best part of Connect. Meeting other Local Guides and sharing the excitement of this journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

8. I’d love to see a group chat feature within the Connect platform. There are many active groups using external apps, but I think it would be amazing to have that functionality built into Connect itself.

9. This year, I’m planning to host the first Distributed Americas Meet-up. The Americas are so vast that organizing a single in-person event like in Europe is nearly impossible. The distances are just too great!
   So my idea is to hold multiple in-person meet-ups in different cities — all happening at the same time — and connect them virtually into one big, continent-wide gathering. It’s a big challenge, but I truly believe we can make it happen!

So happy to celebrate another wonderful year with this incredible family!

Hugs from Buenos Aires!
Ceci

[SharmaKK]

Happy 9th Birthday, Local Guides Connect!
Wow! Reading everyone’s responses truly feels like a global reunion of hearts, stories, and shared journeys.
Thank you so much, @Julie_A, for this beautiful initiative to celebrate Connect’s 9th birthday in such a meaningful way. These 9 questions have unlocked so many heartfelt stories — each one unique, yet deeply connected.

Special shoutouts to:
@KashifMisidia bhai – your passion and leadership in cross-border meet-ups is truly inspiring
@LaloPadilla – your fun-filled balance of work, Connect, and burgers is refreshing!
@Jesi – your posts on accessibility and sustainability are invaluable.
@Nomad_vikram – your emotionally rich meet-up experiences and your city-filter idea struck a deep chord
@Yulochka – welcome! Your quick engagement is impressive. And yes, ChatGPT gave a solid suggestion
Looking forward to hearing from @TusharSuradkar, @Shrut19, @AjitThite, and @PrasadVR — your consistent efforts make this community shine.

This thread proves once again — Local Guides Connect isn’t just a platform, it’s a feeling and a family.

---

Here’s my detailed response to the 9 questions:

1. Where are you from?

I am from Gangapur City, Rajasthan, India — a colorful and culturally rich place. Representing smaller cities like mine on Connect gives me immense joy.

2. When did you join Connect?

I joined Local Guides Connect in 2023, and since then, it has been a journey of growth. From being a silent reader to hosting impactful meet-ups, this platform helped me evolve into a confident community builder.

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

While exploring more about the Local Guides program on Google, I found a notification linking to Connect. That click opened up a world of stories, insights, and friendships.

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

Mostly in the early morning before work or at night with a cup of chai . Sometimes I browse during lunch breaks too. Connect has become a relaxing part of my daily routine — like flipping through a favorite magazine.

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

Yes! I’ve both hosted and attended several meet-ups, earning the Budding Connector badge in the process. Each event was meaningful.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

One unforgettable moment was when my proposed meet-up on “The Role of Local Guides in Achieving the SDGs” was finally approved on April 28, 2025, five days after its submission on April 23. Since I usually received approvals within 24 hours, the delay made me anxious — I began to worry that it might not be approved at all. However, after making a few edits based on the team’s suggestions, I was thrilled to receive the green signal. This meet-up holds a special place in my heart because I’m deeply connected to the idea of sustainable development. The approval not only brought relief but also validated my vision — proving that even ambitious ideas are welcomed and encouraged on Connect.

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

I love the Meet-ups section, where global meet-up culture truly thrives! Thanks to it, I’ve made friends from across the world.

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

I’d suggest a “city-wise” or “region-wise” Local Guide directory or filter, to find fellow Guides nearby and collaborate better.

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

This year is special! I’m working on launching an unofficial bi-monthly printed journal — the Local Guides Journal.
It will feature impactful community stories, educational articles, and SDG-themed contributions — aimed especially at those who are not yet on Connect. The idea is to “reach the unreached.”

---

My Gallery:

[Yulochka]

@SharmaKK дякую, що згадали про мене🙂 а ваша пропозиція щодо фільтрів гідів по містам та країнам дуже цікава!!! Приємно дізнатись про однодумців поруч👍

[Pratik_d_fit]

Hello @LaloPadilla

Below is details from my end

Questions:

Where are you from?

Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Indian

When did you join Connect?

2025

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I first learned about Connect through my colleagues (@NareshDarji ) who recommended it as a useful tool.

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

I usually check Connect around three times a week, mostly at night before going to bed. That’s when I get some free time to catch up on updates and posts.

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

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
Yes, it was the best experience ever! I joined a meet-up that was organized by @NareshDarji and there I got the chance to meet a lot of LGs for the first time.(@KetanChhaniyara ,etc) It was great connecting with everyone in person after engaging on Connect.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
One feature I really love on Connect is the ‘Meet-up Near You’ option. It helps in discovering local events and meet-ups, making it easier to connect with people in the community

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

I would like to have a new filter option where I can view posts specifically from my local area. This would make it easier to stay updated on nearby events, discussions.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
This year, I’m planning to be more active.

[NasimJ]

Where are you from?
Answer: I live in Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

When did you join Connect?
Answer: I joined in May 2022.

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Answer: I first heard about Connect through the Bangladesh Local Guides community.

What time of day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Answer: I usually check Connect in the evening after finishing my daily tasks. On weekends, I enjoy browsing Connect throughout the day whenever I get time.

What’s new on Connect?
Answer: One of the features I love in the new version is how easy it has become to post and upload images—without worrying about file size limits. This makes the platform much more user-friendly.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Answer: Yes, I have personally hosted 7 meet-ups so far, including 2 under the banner of Bangladesh Local Guides. I’ve also participated in more than 10 meet-ups organized by others.

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
Answer: My favorite moments are when Local Guides from different countries share posts about historical places, landmarks, or unique local foods. I really enjoy reading those stories.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Answer: I really like the translation feature on Connect. It helps me easily read posts written in different languages, which makes the platform more accessible and enjoyable.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Answer: If I could add one feature, I would bring back the ability to embed YouTube videos directly in posts or allow uploading videos of any size inside the Connect forum. I believe videos are often more effective than photos in showcasing a place or experience.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Answer: Every year, I try to share something new on Connect. This year, I’m planning a series of posts about Bangladeshi culture and ideas on how to make Google Maps more user-friendly in our region.

Thank you !

[Papel_Mahammud]

Great initiative @Julie_A Great Celebration

Here is my answers:

1. Where are you from?

I’m from Dhaka, Bangladesh — a city rich in history, culture, and vibrant street life.

⸻

2. When did you join Connect?

I joined Local Guides Connect on March 12, 2021, and it has been an inspiring and engaging journey ever since!

⸻

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?

I discovered Connect through Bangladesh Local Guide and a fellow Local Guide, @MehadeHasan, who recommended it as a great space to connect with others, learn, and share local experiences.

⸻

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

There’s no specific time for me — I log into Connect whenever I’m in front of my mobile or laptop, often several times a day. I enjoy seeing new posts from Local Guides around the world and sharing my own.

⸻

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

Yes! I’ve participated in over 60 meet-ups organized by Bangladesh Local Guide, both online and offline. In 2023, I had the opportunity to host my own meetup and posted a recap of the event on Connect.

⸻

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

In 2024, I received an email from Googler Denigu, who asked how I celebrate International Mother Language Day. I shared my story and photos, and to my surprise, Denigu featured my story in a Connect post!

Featured Post: How Local Guides in Bangladesh celebrate International Mother Language Day

That was one of the most memorable moments of my life on Connect!

⸻

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.

I absolutely love the Travel and Photography sections. They’re full of visual stories that take you around the world through the eyes and lenses of fellow Local Guides.

⸻

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

I would love to see a “Local Collaboration Board” — a dedicated space where Local Guides from the same city or region can connect, propose ideas, and work on community-driven projects together.

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

This year, I’m planning to share a series of posts spotlighting the historical and cultural sites of Old Dhaka, along with the unique local foods. I aim to blend storytelling with photography to highlight their heritage.

I also plan to host a few meet-ups under the Bangladesh Local Guide banner, continuing the spirit of learning, sharing, and connecting.

[Jahangir]

Happy 9th Birthday, Local Guides Connect
Thank you @Julie_A
I am happy to answer your questions.

Where are you from?
I am from Dhaka, Bangladesh.

When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect in 2024.

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I heard about it from another guide, @MahabubMunna and I was interested to know more. That’s when I joined Connect.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I check Connect when I am free from work. Sometimes, I check 8 to 10 times in the afternoon and before going to sleep.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes, I have attended many meetups. For the first time, I will be hosting a Connect meetup on 18th July 2025.

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
There are many favorite moments. One special moment was when I met Local Guides in real life for the first time on 27th December. Here is the photo album of my happiest moments as a Local Guide.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love reading other Connect posts, seeing the pictures, and feeling the adventure through them.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I would like to add a badge showing the total number of posts by any Local Guide.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
I want to share more pictures and videos to show the special and new areas from different places.

Hope you liked my answers. I tried to keep them short.

[mdshahinalam]

Thank you @Julie_A On the occasion of Connect’s 9th birthday celebration, I would like to send lots of love and best wishes to all my friends.

[Trishatishu]

Thank you @Julie_A Dear for your engaging post. @KashifMisidia ji congratulations for being featured and initiatives.

1. Where are you from?
   Ans: I am from People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Currently living in Tokyo, Japan.

2. When did you join Connect?
   Ans: 12 December, 2023

3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
   Ans: I found out about it from the Bangladesh Local Guide Facebook group and then joined Connect.

4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
   Ans: I have a shortcut icon for Local Guides Connect on all my devices. Whenever I have my phone in my hand, I almost always go to Local Guides Connect to see what new stories have come up. And I can’t count how many times a day I check my phone

5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
   Ans: I have hosted meetups, and actively participated in many meetups.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
   Ans: When I write on Connect, sharing my experiences, it’s my favorite moment. When everyone reads my post and writes their own comments, that’s an even more favorite moment. All the comments from local guides are important to me. It’s also a joy to get a badge, to be featured om others post.

7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
   Ans: I have written all of my posts (48) on a mobile browser. I like this feature of writing posts designed for mobile devices the most.

8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
   Ans: I would say chat box with Gif Emoji.

9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
   Ans: i would love to ensure any Type of accessibility featured post, support small local business, host meet-ups to circulate more awareness regarding being a authentic Reviewer, spread authentic information moreover work for other’s wellbeing.

Thank you, Gratitude

[Mazharul_BDLG]

happy 9th birthday of connect