Wow, where do I begin? I felt so honored and privileged to be invited to my first ConnectLIVE in Mexico City. I’ve traveled to many places around the world, including different parts of Mexico, but this trip was different. I’d been looking forward to this for years.
For those who don’t know me, I’m Robby from the Dallas–Fort Worth area in Texas. My journey goes back to the Google City Experts days. Today, I’m a Level 8 Local Guide and a Google Product Expert involved with Google Maps, Waze, Google Fi, Google Messages, and now Googlebook. I’m also a member of the Google Pixel Superfans community. Yes, I really do love my Pixel devices! 
I’ve been looking forward to ConnectLIVE all year. I’ve read about these gatherings for years, and now I was finally going to be part of one. On a personal note, I’d recently lost someone in my immediate family. My head was spinning, and my emotions were all over the place. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But the hugs, smiles and genuine warmth I found in Mexico City changed that.
Wednesday: Arriving in Mexico City
My trip started at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), where I met fellow Local Guide @SoniaK. Sonia is also from the DFW area, and we happened to be booked on the same flight. We’d been talking before the trip, so finally meeting at the airport was a nice way to begin. After landing, we also met @David_K before heading into the city.
We dropped our bags at the Presidente InterContinental, then Sonia, her husband and I headed toward the Chapultepec area. We stopped at Proscenio Café for our first meal together in Mexico City and had a lovely conversation. I had my Coca-Cola, of course! They went on exploring while I caught up with a few things in the Googlebook Help Community. Even on vacation, the Product Expert in me doesn’t completely switch off!
On the walk back, I came across a peaceful spot in Bosque de Chapultepec. People were stretched out on the grass, reading books or listening to music, and I could hear the birds singing. I love nature and being outdoors, so I sat for a while, gathered my thoughts and simply enjoyed how beautiful the afternoon was. Then I made my way back to the hotel.
Back at the hotel, I began meeting other Local Guides and members of Team Tacos, our wonderful local hosts in Mexico. They’d made personalized passports with spaces for signatures and stickers, giving us a fun reason to introduce ourselves and connect. Such a thoughtful idea. Before the official event had even begun, people were already making friends.
Thursday: Exploring, contributing and sharing
Thursday started with breakfast at a local café, then it was back to the hotel to meet @alextsuievers and my fellow Community Panel speakers: @cuicani, @Rednewt74, @SarahKa and @TerryPG. Alex had shared questions with us in advance and took time to make everyone comfortable. I appreciated that because, believe me, I was nervous about speaking at my first ConnectLIVE! We took a group photo before setting out.
Next came the Contribution Walk in Polanquito. I was in Group 11 with @Cecilita, @DianaTuaty, @FalguniP and @marcorp. Everyone was eager to explore the businesses on our shared list, check Google Maps information and take photographs. We kept running into other groups—Local Guides seemed to be everywhere! We stopped for lunch at Alga, where the conversation was as enjoyable as the walk.
Then we noticed the time. I told everyone to follow me and started speed-walking back through the neighborhood. We were about five minutes late, but we made it back for the shuttle!
When we arrived at Google’s Mexico City (CDMX) office, @Kristen_NYC was there with my badge and the warmest smile. She said, “I’m a hugger.” I said, “So am I!” We hugged like we’d known each other for years. She made me feel welcome right away, and I’ll remember that first impression.
Then came the Community Panel. It was an honor to sit with Local Guides from different countries and hear their stories. We brought different experiences, but we cared about the same community. When asked what I’d tell someone just starting out, I said: crawl, walk, run. Start small, learn as you go, and find the contributions that matter to you.
That evening, the welcome gathering and “Leave One, Take One” cultural exchange brought us all together. People shared stickers, pins, postcards and little pieces of home. I’m still going through my stickers, and my backpack has the buttons to prove it! We ate, talked, listened to music, took pictures and got to know each other beyond our screens.
Friday: The people behind Google Maps
Friday brought another full day at the Google CDMX office: conversations with the Geo team, presentations, questions and workshops. We had the chance to explain what matters to us as contributors. I left excited about the future of Google Maps, but I was just as impressed by the people working behind the scenes. They listened, asked thoughtful questions and genuinely made time for us.
I also loved the time spent with Local Guides from so many countries, including @Itswendym and @Jesi. It was those easy conversations and spontaneous photos together that made the gathering feel so welcoming. Team Tacos made everyone feel at home. I’ve traveled around Mexico before and have always appreciated the hospitality, so I joked that the local team might have to adopt me!
@rtsayles, @Jesi and @Itswendym together at ConnectLIVE Mexico City.
A few of the thoughtful ConnectLIVE keepsakes.
At the closing celebration, our trivia team—Team CDMX—worked together and won! We received Fact-Finder medals. Just imagine: people who’d only met a couple of days earlier were now laughing and celebrating together like old friends.
What I’ll remember
A big thank-you to @Kristen_NYC, @David_K, @TinaWill, @alextsuievers, @KevinKwok and the whole Geo team. And to Team Tacos—@LightRich, @Imperiospice, @LaloPadilla, @Bere_Marichi and all the local hosts—thank you for the care you put into every detail. The activities, meals and thoughtful little touches were wonderful. Most of all, thank you to the Local Guides who shared their time and stories with me.
Even Saturday’s ride to the airport brought one more unexpected, down-to-earth conversation with someone from the Maps engineering team. That approachability was something I noticed throughout the whole event.
I arrived knowing only a few people. By the end, we were sharing stories, laughing together and making plans to stay connected. After the difficult weeks I’d had, I hadn’t realized how much those moments would mean to me.
During one conversation, @David_K and I were talking about the different Google communities I’ve been part of. He asked what stood out to me about Local Guides. I didn’t need a long answer.
Family.
We laughed, but I meant every word. 
