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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 10

Hi, 
Great!!!

Thanks for sharing

Level 7

@TraciC , the most awaited notice. It will be great fun and lots of knowledge sharing get together among the 200 local guides. Hope for the best.

 

@

It's very good news for localguide ❤   

Connect Moderator

Woww, Thank you for the big news @TraciC 

I would like to say Good luck to all local guides. 

✌️✌️✌️✌️

Please type @ before username to mention/tag me so I can reply to you quicker. About me |Guiding Star 2021 | Follow me on Maps |  | Instagram |   


Gems Of the World - A Connect Travel Post Challenge




@TraciC thank you for all this information, so detailed and accurate. In a few days, every local guide who wants to go to San Jose, California, must be prepared to apply for such a enriching expirience. I'll do my best for be prepared, of course. 

Beatriz Aguilar | bandera-de-venezuela-imagen-animada-0001| Instagram
Level 10

Whoa! A beautiful news most awaited in the local guides community. Everyone knows that only 200 people will be able to make to it. But still the process of applying is enjoyable in itself.. This year it looks grander and more well planned. Ample time has been given for the activities at every level; which will help the participants and organizers to stay tension free and cool. I loved the news 😘. Thanks Google!

Connect Moderator

Awesome that the numbers have been increased. Starting to think about my application already 😁

Connect Live 2019 will be amazing!!

 

Thank you for sharing @TraciC 

 

I am 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 LOCAL GUIDES!!

Balvinder-Singh-FacebookBalvinder-Singh-InstagramBalvinder-Singh-Google-MapsBalvinder-Singh-linkedinBalvinder-Singh-Google-Plus
Level 7

Wow! Good luck for everyone 😁

Level 10

@TraciC Thanks for this great announcement!!!

Level 8

Wow great I especially liked the 4 day duration extension - this really sounds amazing !

Level 7

Hi @TraciC 

Thanks for this information,

You make me can't sleep well until june 3 😅,,,,

 

Fighting #letsguide

Level 10

@TraciC  thanks for amazing news!!!!! It's awesome! 😉

Level 9

Wooow @TraciC

Best news ever

Iam ready for it. 

Cheers 

Saudi local guide 🇸🇦 

Level 8

last year when I saw this post I just say... If I was 21, I can also apply for connect live 2018. 😞

but now!

I'm 21 and finally, I'm going to apply for connect live 2019! 

yeeeeeeeeeeee!

Level 9

@TraciCA great news for us. Thank you for increasing the number of attendees this years. Seems I got a luck 😀

 

 

Connect with me: My blog, YouTubeFacebookInstagram

Level 7

I want it to be my first time in this event. I'm dying to go and share my progress as local guides of Madre de Dios.

danielv

Good amazing news.

But only for English speaking local guides

Level 9
Level 9

Color me excited! I hope to be repin' for Chicago again!

 

20190111_192946.jpg

 

Connect Moderator

This is a big and big news ever. Thanks @TraciC  for this earlier announcemen. 

Happy Guiding!  

Level 10

YEEEAAAAAAHHHHHH!

@TraciC Great news

Connect Moderator

This is so exciting! 200 Local Guides are about to have a life-changing experience! More time, more guides, more Google...  The good news just keeps on coming! I can't wait to apply!

Level 10

@TraciC, Thanks a lot for the exciting announcement to invite  and prepare for 'connect live 2019'. It's  great opportunity for the local guides around the world.

Good News 

I am Excited

Jalam Singh
Level 7

Awesome news. Thanks @TraciC for let us know a head.

Level 6

This is such a great news. So looking forward to apply for this. Hope I would be selected.

Level 10

Exciting news - loving the great graphic!

Russell Holden
Level 7

AWESOME!

UNBELIEVABLE!

🤩

Level 9

Let's the party begin @TraciC !!! 

200 friends

4 days 

San Francisco

 

Level 8

Hi everyone that's good news

For #local guides thanks for the announcement

200 hundred👏👏👏great

Level 9

Wow @TraciC  this is a most awaited news for all #LocalGuides. Now i'll start thinking about my application video.

 

Cheers

Connect Moderator

Wow...  Did I hear 200?

This year comes with its own twist..

I pray and hope that if selected I will be able to get Visa.

 

I wish us all best of luck in the application.

 

 

NO to PLASTIC, Together, we can Achieve

Level 7

Wow 😎 now 200 Local Guides 🤩 and In San José 😍 that is so interesting. Thanks Google and @TraciC 

Level 8

Wow, thanks for the information. I attended Connect Live 2018 and guess what? the photo I took at SFO Airport is the most viewed, can't wait to attend again if selected.

Anonymous
Not applicable

This sounds very funny! Please let me know how to partecipate!

Hi  @TraciC ,Google administrator 

Thanks a lot for great news of Connect live 2019. I am also interested to join in Connect live 2019. Nice to know about increase in selection of Local guides from 150 to 200 to participate in Connect live 2019. 

Congratulations .

@Jayalakshmi_Rao_S 

Local Guide :Level 7 

Host ,

Visakhapatnam City of Destiny : INDIA 

 

Level 10

Amazing, i can't wait 😁

Connect Moderator

Every year it gets better and better @TraciC!  Exciting to know Google has expanded this year's Connect Live 2019 from 150 Local Guides to 200 Local Guides attendees and we will be spending most of our time at the Googleplex!  50 more chances to win a spot and more time to work on and submit our CL2019 applications! Whoo HOOOOO!!

 

San Jose is part of Silicon Valley and November is a great time of year to be in the San Francisco Bay Area.  = )

 

Good Luck Everyone! 

 

Cheers,
Karen

Level 8

What a great news @TraciC and we do really appreciates what you and the rest of the Google maps team are doing to enrich this awesome community!

 

I really do encourage every member of Local Guides around the globe to participate in such a great event, trust me it’s a huge source of the positive energy and you will meet some of the best friends to make from around the world.

 

Here in Egypt, we will make sure to arrange a session to all local Guides in order to prepare whoever will be our Egypt’s ambassadors to such a yearly festival!

 

Good luck every one!

Join our Egypt Local Guides Community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/egyptgooglelocalguides/
Connect Moderator

Great news! Thank you for announcing this @TraciC !

Level 7

I can't believe that it's already that time of year again!
This year looks like it's going to be so very exciting with 200 people coming together to share about causes they are passionate about. 
Thank you for sharing, @TraciC!

Connect Moderator
Level 7

حظا سعيدا

Level 9

Este año voy a preparar mi solicitud y la voy a enviar y espero ser uno de los agraciados seleccionados para asistir al Connect Live 2019.  El año pasado yo era nuevo como Guía Local de Google y me enteré muy tarde de la actividad ya que cuando empecé a hacerme activo en Local Guides Connect ya estaba abierto el concurso y se me pasó la fecha para enviar el video de solicitud.  

Level 8

Than you for the information @TraciC !!!! I'm so exited to share all the cool things from my city with you guys!!! Can't wait for it!!!! 😍❤️

Level 8

¡Que buena noticia!, me encantaría poder participar, pero no cumplo el requisito de edad 🙁.

 

Level 7

Wow! Amazing news @TraciC I have looked forward to this opportunity since the first connect live event in Abuja Nigeria and here it is!! i have mixed feelings of excitement, hope and anxiety. I'll definitely give this a shot. It'll be nice to experience first hand how impactful our little contributions achieve huge results and to network with other local guides around the world. Best Wishes to us all.❤️