Cambodia Local Guide Meetup is Back – A Full Story of Connection, Contribution & Community
After a long pause, something special happened again: we brought our Cambodia Local Guides community back to life. I decided to host this meetup because I missed the connection we had before. I wanted to create a space where we could meet, talk freely, and bring back the spirit of sharing that once made this community so active and welcoming.
So on that sunny morning, a small group of us gathered at Chrong Baitong Café, a quiet garden space surrounded by trees and small bridges. Some participants came in person, while others joined via Google Meet. We had our laptops, phones, and open hearts ready to learn, laugh, and reconnect.
As host, I started by welcoming both old and new members. I guided the newcomers on how to begin with Google Maps—adding places, writing reviews, uploading helpful photos, and editing locations. I also introduced Local Guides Connect, a platform many had never explored before. I told them, “Google Maps is where we contribute. But Connect is where we share our stories, learn from others, and grow as a community.”
One of the most inspiring moments came when @Sophia_Cambodia joined us online. She didn’t just give a short talk; she shared from the heart. She spoke about how much she’s been contributing to Connect, especially stories about her travels, camping trips, food experiences, and cultural insights. She showed us that Connect isn’t just for tech tips—it’s a place to tell your story. Whether it’s about your favorite dish, a hidden temple, or even a children’s Ferris wheel—it all matters. Her message was simple but powerful: “Share what you love.”
I also took time to share what I’ve been doing over the past two months. I told them that I’ve posted more than 130 pieces of content on Connect—from tips to stories, community support, and ideas for Local Guides. I wanted to show by example that being active on Connect doesn’t require perfection—it just requires showing up and sharing what you know or care about. And it’s been a journey that has reconnected me with Local Guides all over the world.
The meetup wasn’t just about learning—it was about listening. @ChamnanMuon, another respected Local Guide, joined online and shared his story—from being active locally, having attended Connect Live in the U.S. many times, and now being selected again for Connect Live Japan. That moment really motivated the group. It showed that a journey that starts with adding a café or reviewing a park can one day take you to an international stage.
We also had rich conversations with @Rthyvong, Hea Tuy, @jetlychan, @lamsoton, @makara_yem, @ViasnaPhon, @chankroesna.yong, @sehachhang, ** Vichana Sar**, ** Van SD **, and @hoksambath. Some were regular contributors, others were new, but everyone added something special to the discussion. We spoke about challenges, especially with using add missing place, and helped guide each other on how to improve location contributions. We also tackled the topic of place verification, rejected edits, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What I loved most was the casual energy. There was no pressure. Just real sharing. Some asked how to sign up for Connect, while others showed their contributions. By the end, everyone had either learned something or felt encouraged to start.
We closed with group photos, more coffee, and that quiet feeling of: “Yes. This is what we needed.” It reminded me why I hosted this. This wasn’t just a meetup. It was the beginning. A soft reboot. A spark to bring our community back.
I told the group, ‘You don’t need to be an expert to be part of this.’ Just start. Share something.
And this is how we begin again—together.
. Let’s engage more, 
. Thank you bro. 
.
