I’m sure you’ve heard this many times by now, but Connect Live 2019 was amazing! Full of great people, events, learning, and celebrations. It’s been a couple months now, so I want to keep the feeling and energy of it strong by looking back on what I loved most about it.
1. THE COMMUNITY
It was awesome to meet so many Local Guides from all around the world to share ideas and perspectives. Seeing the different cultures represented there was very eye-opening because no matter how different we were, our love of contributing to Google Maps is what bonded us.
World Market
I especially liked the world market where Local Guides shared things from their country with others. These things included food, postcards, key chains, pins, and many others.
Friends
The community is so supportive and caring. Even though we only met for a short period of time, there was a genuine connection with everyone. In many instances, it felt like we already knew each other as we had bonded before-hand here on Local Guides Connect and on the telegram group (used for planning activities between attendees). The group is still active even now and we are regularly encouraging each other on it. Sometimes I log in after not checking it for a while only to find hundreds of unread messages. That really speaks to the community that we have.
Some of the wonderful people I met at Connect Live 2019 include:
@MariaNgo @Nyainurjanah @Ameyali_Mx @PaulPavlinovich @SanyaOdare @Jesi , Wilson, Monique, Bill, Dale, Daniel, Ming, Arthi, Joomin, Archit, Yao
There are many others and I can’t possibly name everyone, so sorry if I missed you!
Team Canada
Lots of love to the Canadian friends I made! @Crazychicktwo , @Donny-Explorer , Ann, and Helena.
2. GOOGLE TALKS
Both full days of Connect Live 2019 featured lots of presentations and talks with Googlers.
This included speeches from Mara Chomsky, Head of Local Guides as well as keynote speaker, Jen Fitzpatrick, SVP of Google Maps.
After the Googler presentations, we dispersed into our pre-chosen break-out sessions. The one I chose to attend was ‘How to use Connect to Connect’ led by @TraciC and @AngieYC .
In the session, we shared ideas about how to best engage in Connect using meetups, connections with others, and potential new features. We even brainstormed ideas on what new functions we would like to see Connect have.
After the breakout sessions, there were informal gatherings with Googlers to discuss different topics of Google Maps. It was great as we were able to hear from the ones who created the products we use everyday and give input on ways we think they could be improved.
3. Parties
Every night we had a party full of good food, drinks, photo booths/photo opportunities, activities, and fun!
Google even gave us professional head shots!
4. Perks
Google gave us so many goodies. I love the stickers, android toys, and of course the local guides specific gifts.
I prefer the backpacks that attendees got last year but this one is unique because it is orange and waterproof.
I love these pins!
The local guides store to let us buy more local guides stuff!
Everyone got the famous socks!
It was so amazing how everyone got a Google Pixel 3XL! I will never forget that moment!
5. Celebrations
The last day of Connect Live 2019 featured an awards ceremony where Local Guides were celebrated for their accomplishments.
This included awards such as most viewed photo/review, most lists, longest streak, etc.
It was a great way to gain inspiration in going above and beyond in our Google Map contributions moving forward.
6. Exploring
We had some free time where we got to explore the campus. We were in the Google Cloud area which is pretty new, so the buildings were very modern and beautiful.
There were many Instagram worthy photo spots throughout the Google Cloud campus.
The famous Google bikes! Note: I was only pretending to ride them as we weren’t allowed to ride them.
Thanks for reading this long post! I also made a video recap of my experience at Connect Live 2019 so please check it out!
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