Local Guide TravellerG ( @TravellerG ) is a true Community Builder. He lives in Bangalore, India, but gladly travels to other places to meet fellow Local Guides and often brings people together virtually. Whether his meet-ups focus on photography, accessibility, or celebrations, they always include an element of knowledge sharing about Google Maps, Connect, and personal skills.
We recently caught up with TravellerG to learn more about his experience with meet-ups and get his tips on how to host successful community-led events.
What do you love about meet-ups?
I love everything — from the planning to the recap! Whether it is a physical or virtual meet-up, I enjoy the moments I share with fellow Local Guides. Those moments are precious to me. Meet-ups have given me several excellent friends, too.
What was your first experience with meet-ups?
It was an extremely great feeling. When I joined Local Guides Connect in 2017, I was guided by then-Connect Moderator @StephenAbraham and later by @AmbrishVarshney . Ambrish introduced me to a senior Local Guide, @JohnPeter from Chennai. In 2018, over a telephone conversation, he agreed to come to Yercaud (where I was staying at the time). He came and stayed with us for two days; that was my maiden meet-up. The two of us explored Yercaud and contributed many 360 images and reviews.
Do you have a favorite meet-up you’ve (co-)hosted? What about a favorite meet-up you attended?
I have many, but here I will mention just three.
- The exclusive virtual meet-up about Connect Moderator @AdamGT 's leaderboards. This was a well-practiced session, and the recap explains how the host and co-hosts can collaborate to make a meet-up successful. Over 50 Local Guides attended this meet-up.
- This virtual meet-up for Connect’s 7th birthday, which I hosted along with @Anil6969 .
- This virtual meet-up, hosted by Connect Moderator @indahnuria .
What are your tips for organizing a virtual meet-up?
- According to my experience, the most important thing is to select a meet-up time that will be convenient for most attendees. When hosting from India, I have found that the best time is 4:30 pm IST on a Sunday, with a 1-hour duration.
- It is always better to have at least one co-host.
- Conduct rehearsals to ensure that the audio, video, presentation/screen sharing work properly.
- Try to use a silent place to host/attend meet-ups; when unavoidable, use a good headset.
- Your meet-ups will be more popular if you provide time for the participants to speak.
Find more tips based on experience here.
What about organizing an in-person meet-up?
- Location is the most important. It has to be easy to reach and if there is an entrance fee, it should be affordable.
- Select a topic that follows the Local Guides and Connect policies and that will be interesting to your particular audience.
- Publish the meet-up announcement post well in advance and remember to add the Maps location of the meeting point.
- Self-introductions by Local Guides are important to keep morale high, so plan a time slot for those.
- Carry water with you.
Find more tips based on experience here.
What one piece of advice would you give to someone who’s about to host their first meet-up?
My suggestion would be to consult a Local Guide who has conducted one or more meet-ups or ask for support on Connect. This will ensure the success of your meet-up.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself?
I am a retired professional who spends five to eight hours a day on Google Maps, Connect, and related social media, mainly to help fellow Local Guides.
Have you attended any of TravellerG’s meet-ups? Do you have a question for him? Tell us in the comments below.
Want to see who else is a Meet-up Champion? Read our previous post here.
on being recognized as a Meet-up Champion& welcome to Meet-up Champion club 
!
