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

[Premalpatel]

Hello @Julie_A , Many thanks for this opportunity.

1. I am Premal Patel, a Local Guide Level 7 from Vadodara, Gujarat, India.

2. I joined the Local Guides Connect platform in June 2020.

3. I came to know about Local Guides Connect through my mentor, @NareshDarji , who introduced me to the platform and guided me in exploring its features and opportunities.

4. I usually explore Connect 3 to 4 times a week, especially after my working hours, to stay updated on new posts, events, and global meet-up activities

5. Yes, I have partially hosted and attended a mega meet-up in my hometown Vadodara at the prestigious Laxmi Vilas Palace. It was a truly memorable event with nearly 50 fellow Local Guides participating.

Please find below some more glimps of that memorable and beautiful meet-up.

6. My favorite moment on Connect has been hosting the mega meet-up and seeing the power of this global community come to life. It’s also been incredibly rewarding to build meaningful connections with Local Guides from all over the world.

7. I particularly love the badge system, which encourages consistent contributions and engagement. I also enjoy the “Areas of Interest” section, especially photography and travel stories, which keep me inspired and motivated to explore more.

8. If possible, I would love to see interactive or collaborative features such as live threads, virtual tours, or spotlight showcases that allow deeper engagement among Local Guides across different regions.

9. This year, I am planning to share more about my travel photography journey. I’ve recently invested in my own camera (Nikon D7500) using my savings, and I’m passionate about capturing unique stories and sharing them with the Connect community.

Many thanks,
Premal Patel

[PavelSarwar]

@Julie_A Thank you so much for your post. Here I am

Where are you from?
I’m originally from Bangladesh, but I’ve been living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia since 2017 with my beloved wife @SumaiyaZafrin
Malaysia has become my second home, and it’s where I’ve continued my journey as a Local Guide.

When did you join Connect?
I joined the Local Guides program on 22 February 2015, and shared my very first post on Connect on 22 July 2016. That moment marked the beginning of a beautiful journey of sharing, learning, and connecting with people from around the world.

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I received an invitation via email to join the first beta version of Connect. That early access allowed me to explore, contribute, and grow with the community from its very beginning.

What time of day or week do you usually check what’s new on Connect?
I usually visit Connect every evening after work, as it’s a great way to unwind and learn from the community. On weekends, especially Saturdays, I spend even more time engaging with posts, discussions, and events.

Have you ever attended or hosted a meet-up through Connect?
Yes, I truly enjoy both attending and hosting meet-ups. It’s always a heartwarming experience to meet fellow Local Guides, share knowledge, and discover new perspectives together.

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
Some of my favorite moments on Connect include the day I became a Guiding Star, and when Sumaiya and I were featured for our contributions. I feel especially proud when posts or meet-ups related to Bangladesh or Malaysia are featured. I also love reading posts related to food and travel — they inspire me every day!

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I really love the new Connect platform — it’s beautifully organized and highly interactive. The landing page UI is clean and welcoming. I also appreciate the Follow feature, which helps me stay connected with fellow Local Guides around the world.

If you could add one feature to Connect, what would it be?
I would love to see a feature that showcases featured posts — both our own and from others — directly under each topic. It would help highlight great contributions and make them easier to discover.

What’s one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year?
Besides being a Technology Professional, I’m also a passionate Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) practitioner and educator. This year, I plan to promote SDG-related initiatives on Connect. As Local Guides, many of us are already making positive impacts in our communities — I believe we can work together to support the achievement of the global goals through storytelling, meet-ups, and community projects.

[EmekaUlor]

Happy 9th Anniversary to all Local Guides on Connect!!!

Caption: Photo Showing Local Guides during a Meet-up

9 Answers to the 9 Questions

1. Where are you from?

• I am from Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria

2. When did you join Connect?

• In 2017

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

• Through an email

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

• Anytime. As a Connect Moderator, I come on Connect regularly to help

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

• Yes, I have hosted lots of Meet-ups and attended many especially during the COVID period.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

• The day I was celebrated as an Accessibility Champion! I witnessed several tags and commendations on Connect.

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

• I like the tags. It helps to search a post easily.

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

• Chat Room: I’d like to connect with Local Guides in my country and other Countries through their groups if it is enabled on Connect.

9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
   - I planned to run a series of webinar on accessibility known as “Accessibility Without Borders” and we have started already.
   Please do not forget to join our Meet-ups!

Thank you giving us the platform to contribute to the community and sharing our journey!

[YOHANREDDY]

1 Where are you from?
Ans:- I am from Andhra Pradesh, India.
2 . When did you join Connect?
Ans :- I joined connect Dec 23 , 2023.
3 ; How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Ans :- I learned about it through local guides.
4 ;- What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Ans :- I often visit local guide connect and say, I watch Local guide connect every day, in my free time, I visit local guide connect.
5 :-Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Ans :- No, I haven’t participated yet.
6 :- What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
Ans :- local guide connect is participating in challenges and reading posts from other local guide connect members around the world.
7 :-Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Ans :- writing posted and google maps collaborative stories.
8 :- What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Ans :-A feature that identifies local guides by meet up and local states in country.
9 :+ Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Ans :- This year I want to visit local historical places and share them with everyone through local guide connect.
@TusharSuradkar @Julie_A @NareshDarji
Happy 9th Anniversary to all Local Guides

[SalmaanN]

Hi @Julie_A Thank you for this inspiring post about Connect 9th anniversary. Throughout the years, Connect has given me wonderful memories, friendships beyond boundaries and motivation to contribute to make this world a better place. I am sharing my answers to the 9 questions below.

Where are you from?
I am from Bangalore, India

When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect on early 2017

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I got the invitation mail to join Local Guides program when I first shared the photo of a hotel we stayed in Hyderabad. Then I discovered Connect through Google Maps. I would never forget my first post sharing about some 4000 views I recivee on my photos in Google Maps on Connect, and that time I had no idea that, how less it is compared to other local guides contributions. Even then I received wonderful and memorable wishes from other local guides for my contribution which I will never forget. Now I have posted over 100 times on Connect and it all started with that appreciation for my small contribution on my first post.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
After getting back from work. And whenever I get the email notification about Connect especially when someone mention me, I right away jump in. But I do like to be more active on Connect during weekends to try writing posts.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
I love hosting and attending meetups. I have a collection of wonderful memories from the meetups which I hosted as well as I attended. My first meetup was on 2017 when I was in third year of my college, I hosted my first photo walk meetup at Vellore and I had my college junior and my class mate college attend the meetup. Here is the link to my first ever meetup on March 2017. Then I hosted a Knowledge sharing meetup that same month and went on like this. Now my recent one which I hosted was Ramadhan food walk meetup some months ago during Ramadhan. Other than that, I have attended many meetups and one of my favorite ones will always be the Asia One meetup which was hosted at Delhi on June 2019. I remember travelling all the way to Delhi from Bangalore which was about 2000kms far to attend the meetup and it was an amazing experience to meet many of my India Local Guides friends. And was able to attend Connect Live 2018 was nothing less than a dream for me, as I got the chance to meet my global local guides friends in person. Below is the photo collage, where first two photos were from my first ever meetup and the third one is the Knowledge sharing meetup which was the second one in that same month. The fourth one is from my recent meetup which I hosted some months ago.

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
I will never forget the time when Connect Live 2017 results were coming out, when many of my local guides friends were active on Connect and sharing live updates about receiving the invitation. I felt like everyone was at the edge of their seat and may be on the same timezone that time😄, and sharing updates realtime on Connect and it was filled with excitement, hope and sending glad tidings to those got selected.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Drafts is one of my favorite Connect feature as I dont need to worry about losing the contents when writing a posts or when replying. Especially I use it frequently when I want to get to the original post while replying and get back to the reply and I get the draft content back to continue. Special mention would be Preview option as well as Macros option which helps me preview before posting and save important links and to share with fellow local guides.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I would love to add an option, when I host a meetup, to submit the list of users on Connect who has actually attended the meetup (either physical or virtual one) as a feedback so that they will get the Meetups Attended count increased on their profile.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
I am planning to write a series of posts (atleast 10) everything about 360 Photography. I have been a Street View Trusted Photographer and did 360 Photography using Ricoh Theta V (which I received it at Connect Live 2018) and also using DSLR and would like to share about it on Connect discussing various aspects of it, etc. Also would like to resume basic cooking related posts as I used to do years ago.

Thats all about it and I wish Connect a very happy 9th anniversary.

[AdamGT]

This is a great initiative to celebrate Connect’s 9th birthday @Julie_A and oh boy, girl it’s going to be a long post, but not doubt a very interesting read for all of us, and a BIG task for the selection team to finally select and highlight the favorites. I’m in so her are my 9 answers to your 9 questions:

Where are you from?
Originally from Europe and family in the US, I’m from Melbourne, Australia often called “The Land Down Under” and if you’ve ever wondered why, it’s because Australia is located in the Southern Hemisphere, directly opposite (or “down under”) many of the traditionally dominant Northern Hemisphere countries like those in Europe, North America, and Asia and where most Local Guides reside. So, if you were to draw a line straight through the Earth from, say, London or New York, you’d pretty much pop out in Australia. It’s a cheeky nod to our upside-down perspective on the globe!

When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect in October 30, 2017

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
My very best friend from Monk Sherborne, a small village in north Hampshire, England mentioned the Local Guides program to me in 2016 and my interest in Connect flourished from there after I joined the program.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
I usually browse through what’s new while having a morning coffee and during lunch breaks. Then I hit Connect pretty hard in the evening but it varies depending on what’s happening with my work and family at the time, and it varies significantly at different times of the month because I get lots of notifications and frequently tagged. I try hard to reply to all but sometimes I’m overwhelmed and just cannot keep up.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Yes I have attended several meet-ups and hosted 4 or 5 of my own. I have lots of ideas to host more but unfortunately I have limited time. I’d also love to host in-person meet-ups in different parts of the world and believe that they would be very popular and very successful

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
There are many great moments however being appointed a Moderator back in 2021 was a highlight moment as it gave me a greater opportunity to contribute to the Community and to support and motivate Local Guides to make better quality contributions and achieve better outcomes. However, I cannot miss mentioning another special moment, and that is…

when I came up with the idea and with the support of the Local Guides Team, we awarded a special badge to 2024 Leaderboard champions. Designed by @AdrianLunsong and myself, we are both very proud and truly honoured to be the first Local Guides from the community floor to have our own badge made available on Local Guides Connect. Seeing the community’s amazing response to their recognition (see examples listed below) was a fantastic personal reward. I think that the badge looks fantastic and have noted that some have gone as far as saying that it’s the best looking badge on Connect

• Top Movers & Shakers Leaderboard Champion 2024-20th LG Connect Badge - @Kumaarsantosh
• Expression of gratitude - @shaileno
• Congratulations to Top Movers & Shakers Leaderboards Champions - 2024 - @PrasadVR
  
  

Caption: Image of a Top Movers & Shakers Leaderboards Champions - 2024 certificate prepared by @shaileno

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I love the “Featured topics” carousel at the top of the homepage.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I’d love to see featured topics at the top of each of the main categories pages presented in the same way as they are on the homepage. I’d also love to see scrollable post content on Connect. This would make the large Leaderboard posts much easier for the community to read.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Well, letting the cat out of the bag, here’s a spoiler, I’m hoping that we will award a new 2025 Leaderboard champion badge. I wonder what the community’s response will be to this idea

Caption: Image depicting my BIG idea for a Top Movers & Shakers Leaderboards Champions badge for 2025

What do you think?

Seeing I’ve let the cat out of the bag, what do you think about my idea for a Leaderboards Champions badge for 2025?

• Yes, I definitely would love to see a 2025 Leaderboards Champion badge
• No, there are enough badges on Connect so we don’t need another one

[GasparKaren]

@Julie_A First of all, congratulations to everyone who’s been here over these past 9 years. It’s great to be part of this community, discovering new things every day, and helping even more people through Google Maps.

Where are you from? I’m from São Paulo, Brazil, but I’ve been living in Toronto, Canada, for the past two and a half years.

When did you join Connect? I signed up for Connect on January 17, 2019.

How did you learn about Connect in the first place? I found out about Connect through an email that arrived on my profile.

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect? Usually around 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, which is the time I set aside for emails and other things, and in the evening from 10:00 PM onward.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect? I’ve participated in a few meetups with the Brazilian community, and a few other meetings held on topics like accessibility.

What’s your favorite moment on Connect? My favorite moment is when I can connect with colleagues during meetings, learning even more about the world of Maps, and when I have new materials to share with everyone.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love. I really like the new topic presentation. It’s much easier to visualize and, most importantly, to already know many details about the post before even starting to read.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could? An events area—a space where you can hear key information about technology-related events and other topics, which can further enhance Connect and Google Maps activities.

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year. I want to bring even more information about activities in Canada and hold some meetings with Connect members from Canada, as this meeting hasn’t happened yet. After all, we now even have a logo, and the idea of bringing together more people who enjoy improving Maps makes me very happy.

[AdamGT]

@GasparKaren

hold some meetings with Connect members from Canada

This sounds like a great idea @GasparKaren and wishing you well with it.

[AdamGT]

@SophatCHY

I was being part of something global.

Well done @SophatCHY you are certainly part of something very global.

[SophatCHY]

Thank you, and proud to be here too @AdamGT

[Soykot_azam]

Great initiative & the wonderful way to know connect members history & details.
My Answer is here…

1.Where you from?
I’m from Sonargaon, historical city of Bangladesh

2.When did you join Connect?
I joined Connect in the year 2019

3.How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Know about Connect from from the Bangladesh Local Guides community Meet up.

4.What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
About 20-30 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’ve had the immense pleasure of organizing 2 Local Guides meet-ups! under Bangladesh local guides banner.

Beyond hosting, I’ve also truly enjoyed attending meet-ups organized by my fellow Local Guides & attending numerus number of meet-ups in Bangladesh. It’s always a great chance to learn, share, and connect even further!

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

7.Tell about one Connect feature that you love
To follow other Local Guides and receive notifications about their activities

8.What one feature would you add 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

Currently, we are preparing to celebrate the 9th anniversary of the Connect forum under the banner of Bangladesh Local Guides. My another plan is to share my travel & Contribution story like always and try to more active in this community.

[DrShaunak]

Happy 9th Birthday, Local Guides Connect!

It’s been a remarkable journey, and I feel so fortunate to have been a part of this vibrant community since the very beginning. Here are my answers to the “9 questions for Connect’s 9th birthday”:

1. Where are you from?
   I’m from Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

2. When did you join Connect?

I joined Connect during its beta phase, just a few weeks after it launched. I’ve been a Local Guide since late 2015.

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

I joined Connect just after receiving the incredible news that I was selected as one of 75 Local Guides for the inaugural Local Guides Summit (LGSummit16) in California. The beta version of Connect launched around that same time.

Photo caption: During my Google HQ, Mountain View tour at #LGSummit17 — truly the best summit ever!

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

Usually in the evenings or weekends when I have time to read posts and engage meaningfully with the community.

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

Yes! I’ve attended and hosted several meet-ups, both virtually and in person. It’s always a joy to connect with Local Guides around the globe and share knowledge and experiences.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

One of my most unforgettable moments was when the Local Guides team featured my content through a post namely Join the movement to map India’s Hospitals in Connect, including an official video Local Hero Mapping India’s Hospitals where Google featured me and my contributions. A film crew from Google even visited my hometown, Serampore, to shoot the video—an incredible honor and memory I’ll always treasure.

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

I love the Google Maps contribution stories section—it beautifully showcases the impact Local Guides have in their communities.

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

I’d love to bring back the Photography section! I used to enjoy seeing the month’s best photos and celebrating the creativity of fellow Local Guides.

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

As a doctor, I plan to organize and share an updated Hospital Movement meet-up and post, focusing on verifying and improving listings for hospitals and blood banks in my city. My original post was from 2017, and with the rapid growth in the healthcare sector, I believe it’s essential to keep this information accurate.

Photo Caption: With fellow Local Guides from around the world and Googlers at the Google San Francisco office during Day 2 of #LGSummit16

Here’s to nine amazing years of Connect and many more ahead! Thank you to everyone who has helped build such a meaningful, global community.

[Vandana_shines]

Wishing a very Happy 9th Birthday, Local Guides Connect and everyone part of this community.

Thank you @Julie_A, for this amazing initiative. Here are my answers for the 9 questions to participate and celebrate LG’s Connect 9th Birthday.

Where are you from?
Delhi, India

When did you join Connect?
I am not sure of the exact day, I believe it must be in the year 2018.

How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
I received notification from Google Maps about Local Guides community where we can connect with people who share similar interests share knowledge and learn new things, so I just clicked to explore and it was really amazing, although I was not very active at that time, I have started posting recently and trying to be active now on

What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
Once a day, I like to read posts like, comment and participate in Challenges, it feels so fun and refreshing with Connect.

Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Recently I attended my first in-person Mega meet-up and I must agree it was a very enriching event, It felt so good to meet fellow LGs and get to know how big and active the LGs community has become.

Recap: [Hybrid] India, June 29, A MEGA India Meet-Up and Creating Memories with LGs from India

What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
My favorite moment is when I reported a bug in Google maps and it got highlighted by Google moderators and was resolved shortly.

There was a bug which was showing rupee icon as dollar icon in Maps.

Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
I like the feature to share your contribution in Maps, share experience about places, like and comment on fellow LG’s post, it’s a one happy place.

What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
I would like to see a separate category for challenges, just click and see all challenges. Currently it gets lost among the other posts. Here is an example:-

Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Attend as many meet up as possible, participate in challenges, learn and connect with community members.

Thank you, enjoy and stay connected

[Dr.KushShah]

Hey fellow Connect buddies, here are my answers to the following questions:

Q1. Where are you from?
A1. I am from Vadodara, India.

Q2. When did you join Connect?
A2. I joined the Connect family in May 2024.

Q3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
A3. Soon after reaching Local Guide level 7, I received an email from Connect, inviting me to join the Connect family. Honestly, it was this moment when I realized what more there is to being a Local Guide. I felt like I found a second family where I could connect and relate with fellow LGs about my passion for exploring different places and sharing honest opinions about it.

Q4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
A4. I don’t have a specific time when I open Connect. I like to read experiences of different people all over the world. I read them whenever I have time throughout the day and week. To be honest, I have replaced social media with Connect.

Q5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
A5. Yes, I hosted a meet-up on Connect in December 2024. It was delightful and thrilling to connect with fellow LGs from my city. Overall, we shared a great experience where we went on a nature walk early in the morning, followed by breakfast. Here are some photos of my meet-up experience:

Here’s the link to the recap of the meet-up:
https://www.localguidesconnect.com/t/recap-in-person-india-december-22-vadodaras-first-local-guides-meet-up-photowalk-and-breakfast/467538

Q6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
A6. My favorite moment on Connect is when I received my first Connect Challenge Winner badge. I felt such a rush in that moment that I can never forget it. Since then I have always tried to participate in as many Connect Challenges as possible.

Q7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
A7. I love the feature of ‘Google Maps Tips and Tricks’; I have learned a lot from the posts under that section, which has helped me use Google Maps more effectively and efficiently. I feel quite knowledgeable every time I read posts from that section.

Q8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
A8. If I could add one new feature to Connect, I would introduce a points reward system on Connect, quite similar to what we have on Google Maps. It would provide more motivation and a sense of reward when I stay active on Connect.

Q9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
A9. I am planning to host multiple meet-ups this year, including a nature walk, a heritage walk, and a meet-up for reviewing and supporting local businesses.

[davidhyno]

Hi @Julie_A, I love this post!
Here are my answers:

1. Where are you from?
   Hi, I’m from Vicenza (Italy )
2. When did you join Connect?
   May, 2017!
3. How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
   I’m not so sure (it’s been almost 8 years and I can barely remember what I did yesterday ) but I think I received an email or a pop us on the Maps app to join Connect!
4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
   I usually prefer to check Connect in the early afternoon, right after lunch.
5. Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
   I had planned my first meet-up here in my city, but unfortunately the Covid-19 pandemic cancelled everything. I also attended many meet-ups, the latest of which was the Euro Meet-Up in Lucca!
6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?
   I don’t have a favorite moment; there have always been many: when someone likes and responds to my posts, when I see posts from friends sharing their experiences. But my favorite moments are when someone posts articles about eating typical products and traditional customs from their country: I enjoy interacting and understanding the details.
7. Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
   My favorite section of Connect is “Google Maps contribution stories”: every time there is always a really interesting post from some LocalGuide who surprises me with how they use Google Maps in their country or as a means to improve their city, so it is always a source of inspiration!
8. What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
   I’d create a section with only photographs, divided into landscapes, food, animals, street photography, buildings, and colors. Just photos with a simple description, without having to write a post. It would create a beautiful photo album where LocalGuides could share their vision of the world!
9. Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
   I already have a draft in my drawer on how to use various Google programs (Google Maps, Earth, and StreetView) and combine them to create something unique and original.

I can’t wait to read the other LocalGuides’ responses!

Bye,
David

[AmitSharma1507]

1. Where are you from?

I’m currently based in New Delhi, the heart of India — a city full of culture, heritage, and contrasts that constantly inspires my contributions as a Local Guide.

2. When did you join Connect?

I joined Local Guides Connect last year, and since then, it’s been an exciting learning and sharing experience.

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

I discovered Connect during a Google Meet at the Gurugram Google Office. That short session opened a long-lasting gateway to a global community of explorers and storytellers!

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

I usually scroll through Connect during early mornings. It’s a refreshing way to start the day — seeing fellow Guides’ updates from around the world over a cup of chai.

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

Yes, I’ve hosted one meet-up so far. While my schedule has been hectic, the joy of connecting with people offline is unmatched, and I plan to host more in the future.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

Seeing genuine, real-time stories of people roaming across the world and sharing helpful, honest feedback — that truly makes Connect special. It reminds me how powerful community-driven guidance can be.

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

I really appreciate the “Unanswered” tab in Connect — it’s not often talked about, but it’s incredibly useful to help others and find questions where your knowledge can really make a difference.

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

I’d love to see a “Progress Dashboard” that shows your contributions, badges, milestones, and upcoming targets — a gamified view that keeps motivation high and makes your journey visual!

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

This year, I’m aiming to reach Level 10, increase my global reach, and share more detailed, experience-rich reviews of offbeat places. I also plan to promote lesser-known cultural spots across India and contribute to global discussions more frequently.

[Annaelisa]

Woher kommst du?

Aus dem Norden von Deutschland, Schleswig/Holstein, zwischen der Ostsee und der Nordsee

Wann sind Sie Connect beigetreten?

2019

Wie haben Sie überhaupt von Connect erfahren?

Ehrlich, so genau kann ich mich daran nicht erinnern, irgendwie wurde ich darauf aufmerksam und es gefällt mir.

Zu welcher Tages-/Wochenzeit möchten Sie nachsehen, was es Neues bei Connect gibt?

Sehr unterschiedlich aber auf jeden Fall zum Frühstück und zwischendurch immer wenn ich von der Arbeit eine Auszeit brauche.

Haben Sie an einem Meetup auf Connect teilgenommen oder eines veranstaltet?

Nein

Was ist Ihr Lieblingsmoment bei Connect?

Eine Einladung zu bekommen als Anerkennung für mein Engagement, auch wenn ich aus gesundheitlichen Gründen leider nicht teilnehmen kann.

Erzählen Sie uns von einer Connect-Funktion, die Ihnen gefällt.

Die neue Gestaltung um Beiträge zu schreiben oder zu Antworten.

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Erzählen Sie uns von einer Sache, die Sie dieses Jahr auf Connect teilen oder tun möchten.

Wieder an einer schönen Challenge teilnehmen

[Ptrivedi]

Happy 9th Birthday, Connect!
Time really does fly—it’s been such an incredible journey being part of this vibrant Local Guides community! Over the years, I’ve made meaningful connections, discovered hidden gems, shared countless stories, and learned so much through everyone’s experiences.
I’m excited to take part in the “9 questions for Connect’s 9th birthday” challenge! What a fun way to celebrate and reflect on our journeys together.

Questions:

1 .Where are you from?
Ans. I Am From Gujarat, India

2. When did you join Connect?
   Ans. 27 aug,2020

3.How did you learn about Connect in the first place?
Ans.I learned about it through email and a WhatsApp group of Gujarat Local Guides.

4. What time of the day/week do you like to check what’s new on Connect?
   Ans: I usually like to check what’s new on Connect in the evening or during weekends when I have more free time.

5.Have you attended or hosted a meet-up on Connect?
Ans. Yes, I attended a meet-up at Rani ki Vav and the Science Resolution Center in Patan. The meet-up was hosted by @NareshDarji

I attended a meet-up Patan ,Vadodar , surat , Shegaon , Mumbai

6.What’s your favourite moment on Connect?
Ans. My favourite moment on Connect was when I shared my first post and received encouraging feedback from other Local Guides.
It made me feel welcomed and motivated to contribute more to the community.

7.Tell us about one Connect feature that you love.
Ans:I really love the “Local Stories” feature on Connect. It allows Local Guides to share their personal experiences and discoveries from different places,
which helps me learn more about unique locations and cultures around the world.

8.What one feature would you add to Connect if you could?
Ans: I would add a real-time chat or messaging feature so Local Guides can connect and coordinate more easily for meet-ups and collaborations.

9.Tell us about one thing you’re planning to share or do on Connect this year.
Ans. This year, I’m planning to organise a special meet-up to celebrate my 7-year anniversary as a Google Maps Local Guide and 5 years of contributions on Local Guide Connect . I also look forward to sharing more local stories, photos, and reviews from hidden places in my region, along with helpful tips for the community.

[MarkAuchincloss]

Hi @Julie_A ,

Here goes :

1. Where are you from?

I was born in Glasgow, Scotland so I am Scottish but I live in a small winery (Adega in Galician) in the countryside near the town of Ribadavia, in the province of Ourense in the region of Galicia, in north-west Spain. It’s a long story!!

2. When did you join Connect?

12th of January 2020.

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

From reading on Google’s website that there was a community forum for active Google Maps Local Guides.

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

I am self employed so I don’t have any set day. I just take advantage as to when I have some spare time or I rely on being notified of something important on Connect by my colleagues from the Top 100 Leaderboard.

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

Yes I have attended a meet up on 8th March 2025 organised and hosted by TeamsTaco Mexico @LightRich to celebrate Google Maps & Local Guides (20th & 10th) aniversaries.

I also attended on 20th July 2024 a meet up organised and hosted by @AdamGT about the Top 100 Local Guides Leaderboards : What’s next.

6. What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

The sense of pride when my first article about the role of Videos on Google Maps was accepted and published thanks to the encouragment and editing prowness of @AdamGT and my fellow local guides.

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

I enjoy immensely particpating and reading the forum about the Top 100 Leaderboards !

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

I would creat alot more sub categories within each of the topics and categories and organise them so it is easier to search for the vast diversity of useful information Connect contains.

Here’s an example of this in the world’s most successful forum about the Camino de Santiago. We have over 100,00 registered members!

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

To contunue contributing and participating on the Top 100 Leaderboards.

[MdEmranulHoque]

Happy 9th Birthday Local Guides Connect
Happy to be a part of local guides connect family.
Let me share about my self and i try to answer the question.

1.Where you from?

Answer:⇨I am from Chattogram, Bangladesh.

2.When did you join Connect?

Answer:⇨I joined month of July 14 2016.

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

Answer:⇨From email when I received notification.

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

Answer:⇨I checked everyday, depend when I have much time I will spend a time connect community.

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

Answer:⇨ I am attended many meet up.

6.What’s your favorite moment on Connect?

Answer:⇨When I meet new person from connect community and It really showed the power of teamwork, dedication, and how we support each other like a family. That moment made me feel proud to be part of Connect.

7.Tell about one Connect feature that you love.

Answer:⇨I really love connect feature Google Maps tips & tricks.

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

Answer:⇨If I could add one thing to Connect, it would be a monthly ‘Appreciation Day’ a small event where team members recognize and celebrate each other’s hard work and growth. It would boost motivation, strengthen bonds, and make our workplace even more positive and inspiring.

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

Answer:⇨This year on Connect, I plan to share more helpful insights and best practices from my daily work experience. I want to contribute by answering questions, supporting others, and learning from the amazing Connect community.

@Julie_A Thank you for sharing article with us.