In 2020, we saw again and again how our community came together to offer support, guidance, share a laugh, and celebrate together through virtual meet-ups. We were so impressed and inspired by your ideas and campaigns. You introduced your countries and cuisine, exchanged recommendations, shared your knowledge, and strengthened your friendships.
We want to take the time and thank you for a year of amazing virtual initiatives. Here are some of the most outstanding campaigns that we saw Local Guides host on Connect.
Building communities
Virtual meet-ups showed us that borders and distance don’t matter. @christophesubilia and @Julien44 were some of the first to organize regular meet-ups with French-speaking Local Guides from five continents toexchange tips, create strong bonds, do virtual tours, and talk about regional delicacies.
Local Guides Bangla also organized nine meet-ups in Bengali to connect from home. @ShafiulB initiated the series of meet-ups with a four-hour introduction and activities. Soon after, @Farhan21 organized the second part about reviews and photos, while @ShahMdSultan talked about place addition and edits and food photography. Three more Local Guides joined in with meet-ups about Street View photography, updating information on Maps, and the hidden gems of Maps and Connect. Shafiul completed the series with a session about accessibility and a wonderful virtual Eid celebration.
Knowledge sharing
While at home last year, Local Guides took the opportunity to learn more and sharpen their skills as valuable contributors on Connect and Google Maps. @TravellerG started the “Weekly Grooming Session” series, where 17 Local Guides from India hosted 17 meet-ups, supported by passionate co-hosts. They discussed topics like drawing roads and checking facts on Maps, Google Meet features and macros on Connect, Street View and mobile photography, and more.
Alongside the Weekly Grooming Sessions, ran a monthly series of Inspirational virtual meet-ups. Once again organized by @TravellerG, this series brought together hosts @Ewaade_3A, @Ddimitra, and @indahnuria, who invited several Connect Live alumni to present their inspiring stories. We saw @SalmaanN’s journey to Connect Live 2019 in photos, discovered how the event boosted @RiyaM’s confidence, and more.
Exploring countries and cultures
Among the many great virtual tours that Local Guides took us on in 2020 were #TeamTacos’s two miniseries. It all started with @LightRich ’s invitation to Spanish-speaking Local Guides topresent their countries. Then, diving deeper into the cultural heritage of Mexico, @LaloPadilla and @Bere_Marichi hosted thefirst and second part of the magical series “Pueblos Mágicos de México.” We were also in awe of the monumental murals in Mexico City that @LightRich presented in the two episodes of “Murales Monumentales en México.”
Supporting small businesses
Local Guides demonstrated once again their helpful nature by showing support for local and small businesses. One of those who consistently put efforts in that direction was @FalguniP . She dedicated all of her virtual meet-ups tosupporting small businesses, local eateries, and writing local business reviews, while also sharing her tips in regular posts on Connect.
Thank you to all who hosted and took part in these great events! Is there a virtual series that we missed? Tell us about your favorite meet-up series in 2020.
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