Bringing the magic of our community to life at Connect Live 2019

[mchomsky]

Photo Caption: A photo of attendees in front of the stage with Connect Live on screen from above.

Last week, we brought together 200 top Local Guides from 64 countries and regions for our annual event, Connect Live. Over the course of the week’s events, from Tuesday’s welcome reception to Friday’s closing brunch, the themes of recognition, connection, and learning were present in every activity. 

We celebrated the impact of this group’s contributions — nearly 80,000 reviews and more than 700,000 photos on Google Maps — and that of our entire community of 120 million! These attendees also had many opportunities to get a behind the scenes look at what’s next for Google Maps, take part in discussions with the 130+ Googlers in attendance, explore downtown San Jose, and learn the how and why of some of their favorite features. There were also office hours where Googlers answered questions from Local Guides, and in turn they provided feedback that may help inform future product features. Take a look at the photos our fabulous photography team took (and if you share, please give credit to Google Local Guides).

What sticks with me a week later is how deeply everyone at the event connected with one another; whether they met in person for the first time or fourth, the energy was palpable at every single activity! When I read their recaps, I feel as though I am there again, and I hope that with @KatieMcB’s posts (day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4) and those of attendees, you also feel the magic of what we as Local Guides are doing! 

Need a bit more? Check out this video highlighting the event: 

Thank you to everyone who applied, everyone who attended, everyone who followed along and everyone who makes smiling come so very naturally when your name pops up our Connect or Instagram feeds. You all keep our team going, and going, and going! 

I’ll close by sharing this photo of some of the Googlers who made Connect Live 2019 and many of the experiences you have as a Local Guide possible:

Caption: A photo of some members of the Local Guides team in front of a giant globe and Google letters.

Want even more? Check out #localguidesconnect on social media and check out the numerous posts from attendees on their experience right here on Connect!