Goggle is known for a lot of things- technical innovation, creating systems that connect people, places and things, merging with some of the most influential companies and brands and bringing cool products to the marketplace. But, no one was more surprised than me to know that they could also add throwing one helluva party into the mix! However that was surely the case when I attended the “Google+ Midsummer Meet & Eat”. The event was held at a warehouse in SilverLake California to promote their new City Experts program, which is intended to bring folks who are in the know about the best places to eat, shop and play in the city that they live. With City Experts, you can receive exclusive benefits just by writing local reviews on Google. Connect with reviewers like you, test new Google services and features before they are publicly available, and enjoy benefits available only to City Experts, like contests and invites to special events. If this event is any indication of the amazing benefits you get by becoming a City Expert than I implore you guys to sign up !
At the last minute I needed a +1 to accompany me to the event and my good friend Jasmyn was game (gotta love friends who are ready to party at a moments notice)! We entered the venue surrounded by some of the most expressive and innovative murals I have ever seen. It was easy to see that Google was hoping to create an environment which would inspire the creativity of the people in the City Experts program.
Jasmyn and I were each given a passport that we used to navigate around the party to sample some of the local eateries that were on hand. The purpose of the passport was to provide us with information about the restaurant’s and businesses in attendance and give us the opportunity to collect stamps indicating we’d tried the food at each booth. A prize was given at the end of the night to whomever could fill their passport. I particularly enjoyed the Italian sandwiches from Roccos Italian Market made with fresh salami, ham, provolone and topped with their fresh homemade cole slaw; and let me tell you I am not a fan of cole slaw but I became a fan of their’s!
The booths were not only food and drink related but were also designed to give information regarding the City Experts program. One of my favorite booths was the Google Maps booth. We were given a PostIt and encouraged to place it in the area we were from along with any recommendations of the best place to eat, drink, or play in the area. I chose to represent for my hometown by choosing Michaels on Naples in Long Beach 😉
Google got interactive by setting up a cute lemonade/lime bar where we decorated our glasses with balloons in Google’s signature colors and striped straws. We then added fresh fruit to our drinks. What a great idea right???? I can’t wait to try that out at one of my parties!
It’s always so fun to attend these types of events, not only do I get to connect with people and talk about this here blog but I also gain some creative ideas that I can incorporate into my own parties. Another one that I liked was the make your own cupcake bar that Duffs CakeMix created. Not only was the idea super cute but the cupcakes were TO DIE! I don’t think I’ve had cupcakes that moist in quite awhile! Jasmyn and I ate our creations before I even remembered to get a picture.
Here are even more pictures of this super fun event!
So guys go sign up to be a Google City Expert NOW! You can’t beat the benefit’s and the time you take to review may have you attending a really cool event in your area!
As always until we meet again. Keep the party goin!!
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