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Get ready for Connect Live 2019!

Googler

Caption: A graphic that shows the Google Local Guides logo and the words “Connect Live 2019” over a forest and a pathway leading up to colorful buildings in the background.Caption: A graphic that shows the Google Local Guides logo and the words “Connect Live 2019” over a forest and a pathway leading up to colorful buildings in the background.

Today, I have the pleasure of representing the Local Guides team in sharing exciting news: Connect Live is back for 2019!

 

This November, we’re bringing 200—that’s right TWO HUNDRED—Local Guides Level 5+ from all around the world together in San Jose, California and Google’s headquarters for nearly four full days of exciting activities. We’ll kick things off on November 12 with a Welcome Reception, have two jam-packed days of activities, then close things out on November 15 with a Farewell Breakfast with the Local Guides team. To best serve our global community, Connect Live 2019 will be presented entirely in English.

 

If you’re one of the 200 Local Guides selected, you can expect to have numerous opportunities to give feedback directly to the Googlers that work on your favorite features, share what you love about Google Maps, and learn even more Local Guides skills.

 

Now, start preparing that application; we can’t wait to celebrate you!

 

Here’s everything you need to know.

 

The Basics

  • Dates: November 12–15
  • Location: San Jose, California
  • Applications open March 4, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. UTC.
  • Applications close April 30, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. UTC.
  • Follow along on social media using #localguidesconnect
  • More details on the official Connect Live 2019 website

 

FAQs

 

When do applications open for Connect Live 2019?

March 4 at 11:59 p.m. UTC.

 

When do applications close?

April 30 at 11:59 p.m. UTC.

 

What is your selection criteria?

Applications are open to Local Guides Levels 5+ during the application period.

 

Applicants will be selected based on a number of factors including, but not limited to:

 

The submission of a complete application includes:

  • A 1-minute video message responding to ONE of the prompts provided.
    • Prompts are: Tell us about your favorite place and what makes it special; What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your community?; or Why are you proud to be a Local Guide?

 

  • A new post on Connect that describes a cause you care about sharing on Google Maps and why. Whether you’re passionate about finding the world’s best French fries or making the map more eco-friendly, we want to know about it! Post your response using the Local Stories topic.

 

  • A new list created on Google Maps about any theme, including a title, description, and at least five places.

 

We’ll also be looking for:

  • High-quality, well-rounded, and consistent contributions on Google Maps over the past 12 months
  • Consistent involvement with the Local Guides community such as actively contributing on Connect or hosting meet-ups

 

What is the age requirement to apply for Connect Live?

All Connect Live attendees must be at least 21 years old by the event start date on November 12, 2019. This is because 21 is the legal drinking age in the United States and alcohol will be present at some events.

 

What makes a good application video?

We’re looking for Local Guides to give us a glimpse of their personality while responding to one of the prompts below. You do not need to create a video with special effects or video treatments, but you must speak on-camera. Most importantly, be yourself!

 

Please choose ONE of the following prompts:

  • Tell us about your favorite place and what makes it special
  • What’s one thing you want everyone to know about your community?
  • Why are you proud to be a Local Guide?

 

What makes a good Connect post?

Your post should help us get to know you better while answering the following prompt: Describe a cause you care about sharing on Google Maps and why. For example, your Connect post might be about how you like to add small businesses to the map, review the best dessert spots in your area, or answer questions about accessibility. Your Connect post should use the Local Stories topic. Good Connect posts include a clear and attention-grabbing title, photos, and descriptive information about your topic. This post will help you learn more about Connect.

 

What makes a good list?

Lists on Google Maps should include a theme, an informative title, and a helpful description. The best lists include at least five places and comments about each one. For more tips on creating great lists, visit this Connect post.

 

Why do you require us to share a video, a Connect post, and a list?

Submitting this information helps us to get to know you better, helping us to review your application.

 

Are Local Guides who were invited to attend an event before eligible to apply for Connect Live 2019?

All applicants will be considered based on the factors listed above. Attending a previous event neither guarantees nor disqualifies a Local Guide from being eligible to attend Connect Live 2019.

 

What happens at Connect Live?

Attendees will learn the latest news about Google products, meet Googlers and fellow Local Guides, and discover inspiring ways to become even better contributors. You can expect learning, friendship, and celebration. However, each year’s specific format and events are kept secret so that you’ll be surprised when you get there!

 

How many Local Guides will be selected to attend Connect Live?

Of the many applications we expect to receive, we will select 200 of the most dynamic Local Guides.

 

Will you watch every video?

Due to the volume of applications received, we will be prioritizing the review of applications based on a number of factors (outlined above). If your video has a tracked link or logs views, please note that the view count or tracked link usage may not be accurate and does not indicate the status of your application.

 

I don’t speak English, will you provide translation?

To best serve our global community, Connect Live 2019 will be presented entirely in English. In order to get the most out of the experience, attendees will need to confirm that they can communicate proficiently in English in addition to submitting all application materials in English.

 

Will you pay for my travel and visa or ESTA?

Flights, transportation, and hotel stays on primary arrival and departure dates will be arranged and paid for by Google. Meals will be covered by Google during the duration of the event. Visa or ESTA fees for one application will also be paid for by Google. However, attendees will be responsible for securing visas on their own.

 

If selected, am I able to extend my trip or bring guests?

If selected, attendees will be able to extend their trips at their own expense. Guests are not allowed at any events and are also at the attendees’ own expense, though each hotel room allocated to attendees may only accommodate two people maximum.

 

Do you only choose one representative per country?

We will consider all completed applications regardless of each applicant’s country. We aim to create an event that is diverse and inclusive, just like Google Maps.

 

What happens after I submit an application?

If an application is submitted successfully, applicants will see a thank you message on their screens, as well as receive a same-day confirmation email. The Local Guides team will email you if you’ve been selected by June 3, 2019.

 

When will selected applicants be notified?

Selected applicants will be emailed by June 3, 2019.

 

Will I be told if I haven't been selected?

All applicants will receive a decision email by June 3, 2019. If you don’t see an email from us, be sure to check your spam folder. Keep an eye out for future events and announcements by keeping in touch with Local Guides on Connect, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.


Note: Due to the volume of private messages Googlers receive, I do not read or respond to private messages. Please post publicly so others may benefit from your discussion. If you require urgent assistance, please tag a Google Moderator. Thank you!.
6,419 Comments
Level 8

Wow... Good news... 200 Local Guides.. Four days.. Connect Live 2019.. Woohoo.. Thanks for this great announcement, @TraciC. Best of luck everyone. 🙂

Vellore Local Guides
Connect Moderator

OMG, here we are again @TraciC 

Every year with more exciting experiences to share. 200, instead of 150 attendees, directly in Google Home, for near 4 full days. We are plenty of time for preparing the submission, but I will start to work immediately.

Can't wait...

Level 10

It is so early... Thanks for such a great information.. @TraciC 

Level 10

I Can't believe it..  😍😍😍

I Can't wait for it... 😃😃😃

I Can't explain it... 🤗🤗🤗

Thank you so much for Announcement @TraciC 

Junaid
Level 10

Wow such a good news to hear this evening. I just can't wait to be part of this year's event!!

 

California here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sheriff Sammo
Connect Moderator

Thank you @TraciC !!!

Great news!!!!!

I'm so excited! 

Level 10
Wow, Nice to hear it. This year is mine 😄 Yessss. After 3 years, hope I have this opportunity to meet Googlers and world Local Guides there. Thank you
Amir | Join us on IranLocalGuides
Level 10

This is really most awaited announcement for us... Best of luck to all applicants... 

Level 8

Hello @TraciC 

Thanks for sharing 🙂

Im so excited 

Level 9

Wao... Thank you for sharing #TraciC 

Best of luck to everyone. 

Google Maps and Chrome Product Expert.

Always use @ before name to tag anyone on the Connect.

Wow @TraciC  great news I m super excited

| Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless





Connect Moderator

This year's Connect Live sounds amazing!! Thank you for sharing, @TraciC!

I'm so excited, and nervous too, it's the first time I'm able to apply. It would be amazing to go and meet so many Local Guides.

Good luck everyone!!

 

Level 6

OMG😳😳😳 amazing 😉 lets have four day tour to the grand google home ..😘😘😘

 

watting since last event ended 

Thank & Regards
JIgar Dholiya
Surat
Level 9

Wow! 200 local guides from different countries such a marvelous news.

Thanks a lot @TraciC for the useful information and instructions about Connect Live 2019, i am very excited. 🙂

Good Luck to everyone.

See you soon there 🙂

Level 7

Wow... I am so excited!!! Connect Live is getting bigger every year...😍😍😍 Thank you for this great announcement@TraciC 

Level 9

Wow wonderful announcement for all Local guides, hoping for good thank you @TraciC  for advance notification. 

 

 

Level 8

Finally. A great news. So happy.

Support my Idea
Love to contribute

OMG, this is going to be so amazing @TraciC 200 attendees directly at Google California, for 4 days.

Can't wait.. 😍😍😍

Rishabh Bansal

Getting good news from Google,let cross the fingers allof us,let choose the google selected best 200 guides in world

Thankyou google

Level 8
  • Great news traciC I am ready .
Level 8

Wow ...Good news.. ..  Connect live 2019 

Shamim Ahmed
Level 10

I was waiting for this. I really want to take this opportunity for this year for sure. #localguidesconnect #letsguide

Level 10

@TraciC It keeps getting better and bolder 👏🏻

Level 7

You made my day with this news @TraciC  

I read all the instructions with eager excitement recalling last november, when I had the opportunity to attend Connect Live 2018. I'm still thrilled while writing these lines, thinking of the unforgetable experience and the precious local guides I got the chance to meet. I really wanna repeat the experience, cause now I know what it is all about, what it really means to be a local guide.

#letsguide!

Level 8

Great news..

Glad to hear this.

 Wow what a sudden surprise...... 🙂

Level 10

Great news

Level 10

Thanks dear @TraciC for this sweet news.  Every local guides has one common desire,  that is to attend connect live once in lifetime.  I wish my best luck to all local guides. 

 

I want to appreciate for few betterment this year, 

1. overall process given well in advance

2. Participants increased from 150 to 200

3. If I am right days increased from 3 to 4 days

4. Eligibility from Level 7 to level 5

 

Really for these precious consideration.  

Level 8
Finally... Great news.. can't wait
Ayan Ghosh
Connect Moderator

Amazing and exciting news!! The Local Guides team keep changing things up!! 😍😍😍 Keeping us on our toes!! And best wishes to all who are applying!!

 

And Go Loco podcast will be doing a feature episode on Connect Live! Don't really know what the format will be yet but stay tuned for more details! I'm still digesting the change in the application and trying to see how best to serve the community! If you have any ideas, let me know!! 


      #EuroMeetup2024 - Join us in Manchester, UK from June 6th to 9th 2024
      Go Loco Guides - The unofficial YouTube channel for Local Guides! Check us out and subscribe
      Connect Writing Challenge - Simple strategies to write engaging posts on Connect
      How to Write Reviews - Easy to remember tips on writing structured reviews
Connect Moderator

WOAH - major news! And a number of exciting changes as well! Thanks for the heads up, @TraciC ! An amazing opportunity for many out there. I know @brittym and the entire team is working hard to put this together.

 

Good luck, all!

Miami, FL | My Profile | #LGMiami | #TeamPixel | #ShopSmall
Level 8

@@TraciC,  200!! The more the merrier  am so amped for 2019's Connect Live, we have really grown as a community locally, My hope is at least one our local guides attends so that he can share with everyone. 

Level 9

thanks @TraciC for such good news, it is always wonderful knowing local guides around the world maybe able to attend the event and get to learn new stuffs such as products, etc and meet new people and make friends as well.

 

Good luck everyone in your application,

 

Cheers😊😊😊

Level 7

i want to join Connect Live is back for 2019!

Zainul Abedin
Level 8

OMG! I am soo excited about this!!! I'm super happy and will definitely apply for this year!!! Yay!! Local guides community is the best!!! 😘 

Level 7

This time google taking 200 local guides.. I am soo much excited... Good luck everyone 🙂 @TraciC 

Level 6

OMG amazing  lets have four day tour to the grand google home watting since last event ended

Thanks localguide

Thanks for sharing.

Level 9

Great news)) Best of luck to everyone.

Akhil Garg
Insta |Twitter |Facebook
Level 7

Let's meet guys.  Also outside of the connect. 🙂 

Level 7

I'm so excited 🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️🤸‍♀️

Live free and do good!
Level 8

That's a really good news for us 

Thanks @TraciC 

Level 8

Fantastic news can't wait sounds so exciting especially now the aplapplicat process has changed this year

Level 8

Woooww!!! 200 Local Guides!! That's amazing!!!! I can't wait!! And I will be preparing my video hahaha. Thank you so much for this information @TraciC !!

Gabu
Level 10

California..oh my.for sure will my hardwork and patience pay?... maybe.Thanks googGo for valuing our work..I mean,we can't stop making the world a global village..such a milestone.

Level 10
সবার জন্য রইল অসংখ্য শুভকামনা ও ভালোবাসা

 

Mahabub Hasan

Wow!! Good News... I am ready.  Thanks for the information.. @TraciC 

Level 8

OMG 😍 😍! Thanks for the advance announcement @TraciC ! Wow 200 ppl! Your team rocks! It's so nice that 50 more will get a chance. Appreciate all the hard work that will go behind this.

Good luck to all the Local Guides. 

Cheers!

 

P.S.  it's 1:05 AM and I don't think I can sleep! 

Level 8

wow... it's a great news!!

OOOOOOOMMGG! I can't believe! 

200 Local guides for this year?

Really ?!!!!!!!!!!! 

 

Level 9

Great announcement @TraciC 

This year 200 Local Guides

Hope I will be one of them.