As an active contributor to Google Maps, and through a 60 second video application, I was invited by Google to an exclusive three day Local Guides event in San Francisco from 16-18 October 2018.
The event was a “perk” for the Local Guides community around the globe. Google handpicked 151 Local Guides from 59 countries to find out why we love to contribute to Google Maps and ask us how they can improve that experience.
Details on the event were kept secret and I really had no idea what to expect - but was pleasantly surprised! Google treated us like VIP’s the whole time.
The event was called Connect Live 2018 and took place in San Francisco. We spent three nights in The Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf and had a full day and a half to meet our new friends from the Local Guides community as well as all of the Googlers.
On day three we were taken to Googleplex in Mountain View which was a definite highlight for everyone. They presented new and upcoming features on Google Maps and the Local Guides program and we were given lots of opportunities to ask questions and give them our personal suggestions.
It was so cool to see the grounds of Google HQ and walk past the colourful bikes. We even created a gigantic “My Super G” in the quad which was recorded on a drone.
The decor and organisation of the event was vibrant and fun; and the food was delicious. They really looked after all of our different needs and offered us gluten free, vegan and dairy free options.
Not to mention the “swag” they gave us. Wow! I really didn’t expect anything but every day was a new delight and the biggest surprise was from the Google Street View Team. They gave each of us a brand new Ricoh Theta V 360 degree camera so we can submit our photos and update unmarked locations on the map.
What surprised me the most about the whole event, was that Google actually wanted to hear our opinions and listen to all of our questions. They really cared about what we had to say. It was inspiring and empowering.
It was beautiful to meet you, and all the new and old friends coming from all around the world.
Yes, Google definitely want to hear from us, they want to know how to improve the program, and they listen a lot. This is for me the most important feedback, that motivated me to do more
Muy lindo post @PennyChristie , realmente comparto todo lo dicho y me quedo con tu último pensamiento Google quería escucharnos realmente y tomo nota de cada una de nuestras sugerencias para con Google Maps. Eso me sorprendió muchísimo, de una manera muy grata, gracias por compartir.
It was definitely a very cool experience @ErmesT I was so happy to have met you. You were one of the very first Local Guides I met at Google HQ as well.
Thank you @FaridTDF It was so nice meeting you and it’s great to know other Local Guides experienced the same surprise as me.
Google translate:
“Very nice post @PennyChristie, I really share everything said and I’ll take your last thought Google really wanted to hear us and I take note of each of our suggestions for Google Maps. That surprised me very much, in a very pleasant way, thanks for sharing. greetings Farid”
