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

November 12–15 Location: San Jose, California

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.