TraciC's post
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Save the date for Connect Live 2020

Googler

Caption: A photo of the full group of Local Guides in attendance at Connect Live 2019.Caption: A photo of the full group of Local Guides in attendance at Connect Live 2019.

 

Today, I have the pleasure of representing the Local Guides team in sharing exciting news exclusively on Connect. Connect Live is officially back for 2020! Since we share exclusive Local Guides news here on Connect, we are thrilled to be the first to announce this. Local Guides Levels 5+ will receive an email in the coming weeks when applications open online.

 

From October 11 to 14, we’re bringing 200 Local Guides Levels 5+ from all around the world to California’s Bay Area and Google Headquarters for four days of exciting activities and celebrations. 

 

Each year’s itinerary is a surprise, and no two events are the same. Attendees can expect to hear exclusive Google Maps and Local Guides announcements before anyone else. There will be breakout sessions with opportunities to give feedback directly to the Googlers who work on your favorite features. Learning opportunities will empower Local Guides to improve their contributions by developing new skills. As with all events, we are building this year's event with past feedback in mind.

 

Check out what Local Guides experienced at Connect Live 2019:

 

 

The Basics

FAQs

When do applications open for Connect Live 2020?

March 2, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. GMT.

 

When do applications close?

March 30, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. GMT.

 

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, with working links, including: 

  • A 1-minute video message responding to ONE of the prompts provided. Prompts are: Show or tell us about your favorite place on Google Maps and explain what makes it special OR Tell us how you discovered the Local Guides program and how it has impacted your life. If you're new to YouTube, visit the Help Center for information. Here are tips for creating your Connect Live 2020 application video.*
  • A new (created after today, February 14) post on Connect that answers: What is the most interesting thing you've done as a Local Guide, or, what does the Local Guides program mean to you? Post your response using the Local Stories topic. Here’s how to write a great Connect post for Connect Live 2020.
  • A new (created after today, February 14) 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

Joint applications will not be considered.

 

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 of October 11, 2020. That is because 21 is the legal drinking age in the United States and alcohol will be present at some events. No exceptions can be made.

 

What makes a good application video?

Local Guides should give us a glimpse of their personality while responding to one of the prompts below. Get as creative as you’d like, but your video does not need special effects or treatments. Most importantly, be yourself! 

 

Please answer just ONE of the following prompts: 

  • Show or tell us about your favorite place on Google Maps and explain what makes it special. If you’re looking for guidance, here’s an example.
  • Tell us how you discovered the Local Guides program and how it has impacted your life. If you’re looking for guidance, here's an example.

For your application to be considered, you must submit a working YouTube video link. The video may be set to “public” or “unlisted,” but should not be set to “private.” You must speak on camera in English. Your video should be as close to 60-seconds as possible, without going over. For further guidance, check out tips for creating your Connect Live 2020 application video.

 

What makes a good Connect post?

Your post should help us get to know you better while answering one of the following prompts: 

  • What is the most interesting thing you've done as a Local Guide? If you’re looking for guidance, here’s an example.
  • What does the Local Guides program mean to you? If you’re looking for guidance, here’s an example.

Your post should use the Local Stories topic. Good Connect posts include a clear and attention-grabbing title, photos, and descriptive information about your topic. We recommend writing between 300 and 700 words. Here’s how to write a great Connect post for Connect Live 2020.

 

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. Please note that your list needs to be written entirely in English.

 

For a step-by-step how-to on creating Google Maps lists on Android, Desktop, or iOS, visit the Help Center. For more tips on creating great lists, visit this Connect post

 

Here are real lists submitted by applicants who were selected to attend Connect Live 2019:

 

For more inspiration, see some of the best lists created by Connect Live attendees

 

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 so we can consider your application and learn what makes you a stand-out Local Guide. 

 

Are Local Guides who were invited to attend an event before eligible to apply for Connect Live 2020? 

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 2020. 

 

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 improve their contributions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to share their feedback and ideas directly with Googlers. Each year’s specific format and events are kept a surprise, but you can expect learning, friendship, celebration, and the experience of a lifetime.

 

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 factors outlined above. The most important step is to make sure the YouTube video link you submit is a working link. Applicants sometimes submit broken links, production links, or private videos. After your YouTube video finishes uploading, set it to “public” or “unlisted,” but not “private.” Unfortunately, if we cannot access your YouTube video, your Connect Live application will not be considered. The YouTube Help Center has more guidance.

 

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

To best serve our global community, Connect Live 2020 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, though if necessary, will be provided with an invitation letter to aid with their application. 

 

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. Last year, 200 Connect Live attendees represented 64 different countries and regions.

 

Where can I communicate with past attendees and current applicants to learn more?

Visit our community forum, Connect, where alumni of each of the past four global events have a special profile badge. There, current applicants and past attendees can share application advice and stories about travel, food, photography, and meet-ups along with program knowledge and ideas. If selected, nearly all event correspondence will take place on Connect within a Connect Live 2020 private discussion area, so if you’re not already very active on Connect, we encourage you to explore the forum and get to know the community!

 

What happens after I submit an application?

When 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 May 18, 2020. 

 

When will selected applicants be notified?

Selected applicants will be emailed by May 18, 2020.

 

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

All applicants will receive a decision email by May 18, 2020. 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.

 

Ready to apply? We’ll be posting reminders and other guidance for your application over the coming weeks, so don’t forget to subscribe to the Announcements board. (Here’s how.) In the meantime, share your excitement in the comments below!

 

*Please note that we've updated the video prompt recognizing that not all will be able to or want to show us around a place.


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!.
2,126 Comments