Google announces deeper, multi-day format for Search Central Live Asia Pacific 2025

Google Search Central announced a significant expansion of its Search Central Live event series for the Asia Pacific region today, March 17, 2025. The enhanced format, dubbed "Search Central Live Deep Dive," represents a substantial shift from previous iterations, offering a multi-day experience focused on technical search optimization topics.

According to Google Search Relations team members Cherry Prommawin and Gary Illyes, the new format directly addresses feedback from previous attendees who expressed interest in "longer events, multi-day experiences, more technical sessions, hands-on workshops, and real-world case studies." The event is scheduled to take place in early to mid-July 2025, though the exact dates and location remain undetermined pending community input.

The announcement comes exactly four months before the potential event window opens, as Google is considering a timeframe between July 7 and July 27, 2025, based on documentation from the event registration page. This represents a significant planning horizon for potential attendees from across the Asia Pacific region.

Search Central Live has traditionally served as Google's flagship search event series, offering insights into search optimization techniques and updates. The addition of the "Deep Dive" format signals a strategic shift toward more comprehensive technical education within the search optimization community.

Technical focus and expanded format

The revamped event will focus extensively on technical aspects of search optimization, with several core topic areas already outlined. These include detailed examinations of how Google Search functions, practical applications of robots meta tags, hands-on workshops for robots.txt implementation, and in-depth sessions on rendering processes.

"This year we're going to pilot an extended Search Central Live experience marking a new, deeper format for Search Central Live. We're planning a multi-day event in early-mid July, bringing together audiences based in Asia Pacific for in-depth sessions designed to supercharge your Search knowledge and website optimization skills," stated the official announcement.

The technical curriculum extends to several key areas. Sessions will examine the steps of how Search works and optimization strategies for each stage. Participants will explore robots meta tags in depth, learning to influence content visibility on Google Search. Practical workshops will cover robots.txt implementation, while rendering sessions will address common pitfalls. Real-world examples will illustrate indexing challenges, including pagination, scrolling, and navigation techniques.

Beyond core search functionality, the event will explore emerging areas including the intersection of search and artificial intelligence. Discussions will cover SEO automation and its implications, reflecting the growing importance of AI in search optimization strategies.

Tool-focused sessions will include hands-on workshops for Search Console and Google Trends, enabling participants to enhance their performance analysis capabilities and extract valuable insights from search data.

Community engagement opportunities

The expanded format includes substantial community engagement elements beyond formal presentations. According to the announcement, these will include "community talks, poster sessions, and exchange activities–opportunities to showcase your work, share your experiences, and build valuable connections."

Google emphasized the collaborative nature of the planned event, stating: "We want to create a truly collaborative environment where we can learn from each other, including opportunities for you to share your optimization journeys and feedback on Search products through listening sessions and focus groups."

For those interested in participating more actively, the interest form includes an option to propose lightning talks. This creates an opportunity for community members to share their expertise and experiences with fellow attendees.

Input-driven planning process

Google has implemented a two-phase approach to organizing the event. The current phase involves collecting community input through an interest form available until April 16, 2025. This information will help determine the final format, content priorities, and logistical details.

"To emphasize, this isn't an application form, but it will help us tailor the event to your preferences: your feedback will determine the final form of these events. Also, by filling out the form, you will be among the first to know when applications open," the announcement clarified.

The formal application process will begin by April 30, 2025, when Google plans to announce the exact date and location of the event. This timeline gives prospective attendees approximately two months between the application opening and the earliest potential event date.

While the event primarily targets attendees from the Asia Pacific region, Google noted that interested parties from other regions are welcome to express interest, though they should be aware that "the content, examples, and style of activities will be focused on the Asian markets." The company also clarified that it "is unable to provide assistance with accommodation, visa, or transportation, including costs and logistics."

Continuation of local language events

In addition to the Deep Dive format, Google confirmed plans to continue its tradition of local language events for Chinese and Japanese speaking audiences in early Q4 of 2025.

"Like with previous SCL events, we'll prioritize delivering the most popular and impactful sessions in Chinese and Japanese, tailored to your needs," the announcement stated. Specific dates and locations for these events will be announced closer to their occurrence, approximately "a few weeks before the events."

This dual approach—expanding the technical depth of the English-language event while maintaining dedicated local language sessions—demonstrates Google's commitment to serving the diverse needs of the Asia Pacific search community.

Expected format and attendee experience

Based on the preliminary information, the Deep Dive event will likely span multiple days in July 2025, featuring a mixture of presentations, workshops, and community activities. The event will be conducted entirely in English, targeting a diverse audience from across the Asia Pacific region.

The sessions will be organized around three primary themes: search functionality and optimization techniques, artificial intelligence's role in search, and mastery of search-related tools. Each area will include both conceptual presentations and hands-on practical sessions.

Community activities will provide networking opportunities and platforms for attendees to showcase their work and experiences. Feedback mechanisms, including listening sessions and focus groups, will allow participants to influence future Google Search products and features.

Timeline summary

• March 17, 2025: Announcement of Search Central Live Deep Dive format
• April 16, 2025: Deadline for submitting interest form
• April 30, 2025: Applications open, event date and location announced
• Early to mid-July 2025: Search Central Live Deep Dive event (exact dates TBD)
• Early Q4 2025: Search Central Live events in Chinese and Japanese

For those interested in participating, the interest form is available through the official Google Search Central blog or directly through the event registration page, with submissions accepted until April 16, 2025.