On 20 December 2025, the Local Guides Community team officially announced the opening of interest submissions for ConnectLIVE 2026 — one of the most meaningful in-person events for Local Guides around the world.
For me, this announcement always feels special. As a long-time Local Guide from Cambodia, my journey has never been just about adding places or reviews on Google Maps — it’s about community, learning, and sharing impact. Over the years, community connections have shaped not only how I contribute on Maps, but also how I show up to support others. ConnectLIVE 2026 is another reminder of how this global community continues to grow and evolve.
🌍 What Is ConnectLIVE?
ConnectLIVE is an invite-only, in-person event that brings together Local Guides and Google product teams. It’s a rare opportunity to:
- Hear directly from Google about the future of Maps
- Preview unreleased features
- Share feedback that can influence product roadmaps
- Join workshops, presentations, and discussions
- Connect and celebrate with fellow Local Guides from around the world
If you’ve followed my previous Local Guides articles, you’ll know how powerful these face-to-face conversations can be — both for personal growth and for strengthening the global community.
📝 How to Raise Your Hand for ConnectLIVE 2026
The process this year remains refreshingly simple:
- No need to create special or one-off content to apply
- Complete the official interest form
- Share more about your Maps contributions and community involvement
Selection is based on your ongoing contributions, community involvement, and long-term participation — not on creating something new for the application.
Application deadline:
Sunday, January 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST (Monday, January 19, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. Cambodia time)
Note: Submitting the form does not guarantee an invitation, but every complete and eligible submission will be reviewed.
⭐ Apply Now for ConnectLIVE 2026
Deadline: Jan 19, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. (Cambodia time)
📅 When & Where Will ConnectLIVE 2026 Take Place?
Planned months:
- May 2026
- July 2026
- October 2026
Regions:
- Europe, Middle East & Africa
- Asia-Pacific
- North, Central & South America
Exact cities and dates will be shared with invited guests in early 2026. To keep things fair and efficient, requests for specific locations aren’t accepted.
👥 Who Is Eligible?
- At least a Level 5 Local Guide
- 18 years or older
- Opted-in to receive Local Guides Rewards emails
- Regularly contribute helpful, relevant, and accurate information on Maps
Being active on Connect is helpful, but not required. Community impact outside the forum — such as informal meetups, social sharing, or supporting other Local Guides — also matters.
⭐ What Does the Selection Team Look For?
- Consistent, high-quality Maps contributions
- Engagement with the Local Guides community (online or offline)
- Participation in challenges, initiatives, or community sharing
- Efforts to build and support local communities
From experience, long-term consistency and genuine community spirit often matter more than chasing numbers.
📧 What Happens After You Apply?
- You’ll receive a confirmation email from Google Events
- You can edit your submission until the form closes
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In early February 2026, all applicants will be notified:
- Selected guests receive a “save the date” email
- Others will be informed if not selected or placed on a waitlist
🌐 Language & Accessibility
Most sessions will be in English. Fluency isn’t required, but conversational comfort helps. Google is also exploring translation options, and multilingual attendees are encouraged to support fellow Local Guides — a reflection of how global this community is.
🔗 More from My Local Guides Journey
- Connect Live Tokyo 2025 Recap: A Celebration of Impact and Connection
- My 10-Year Journey from Google Maps Maker to Connect Live Attendee
Wherever you are in your Local Guides journey, your contributions matter — and sometimes, raising your hand is the first step.
✨ Final Thoughts
ConnectLIVE isn’t just about being invited to an event. It’s about recognition, learning, and giving back to a community that quietly helps millions of people every day.
If you’ve been contributing with heart, consistency, and purpose — whether visibly or behind the scenes — this may be your moment to raise your hand.
Here’s to new cities, new conversations, and another meaningful year for the Local Guides community in 2026 🌏💙
Source note: This article is based on the official announcement published by the Local Guides Community team on December 20, 2025. All interpretations and reflections are my own.