Springfield, IL (April 6, 2026) — Visit Springfield and the Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announce Springfield, Illinois as the host city for the 2026 conference, taking place October 8–11 during the historic Route 66 centennial year. The event will bring together historians, preservationists, tourism leaders, authors, artists, and enthusiasts — and welcomes everyday travelers, locals, and Route 66 fans who want to be a part of the celebration.
Organizers are also thrilled to confirm that one of the most influential voices in the Route 66 movement, Michael Wallis, will serve as this year’s conference keynote speaker. An award‑winning author, historian, and voice of the Sheriff in Disney‑Pixar’s Cars films, Wallis has long been a leading figure in preserving and promoting the Mother Road. Wallis will be joined by executive director and CEO of the Route 66 Alliance, Ken Busby. Ken brings decades of leadership in arts, culture, and nonprofit advancement to one of America’s most iconic preservation efforts.
“Springfield is excited to host the 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference in this epic year,” said Scott Dahl,
Director of Visit Springfield. “Our city’s deep ties to Route 66 make it the perfect place to celebrate the road’s 100th anniversary, and welcoming Michael Wallis as keynote speaker elevates this event to an extraordinary level.”
Conference founder Cheryl Eichar Jett added, “Michael Wallis has been a guiding voice for Route 66 for decades. Having him and Ken join us in Springfield for this landmark year is truly special. And Springfield is the ideal host city — there is so much to see, experience, and learn here along the Mother Road. We can’t wait to welcome the Route 66 community to a place that embodies the heart and history of the highway.”
The 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference will feature expert presentations, panel discussions, tours o Springfield’s Route 66 landmarks, workshops, and centennial‑themed events. Registration opens April 6, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miles-of-possibility-11th-annual-route-66-conference-october-8-11-2026-tickets-1986811173704.
About Visit Springfield
Visit Springfield is the official destination marketing organization for the City of Springfield, promoting tourism, events, and experiences that highlight the city’s rich history, culture, and attractions — including its iconic Route 66 heritage.
About the Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference
Founded in 2015 by author and historian Cheryl Eichar Jett, the Miles of Possibility Conference is the only
annual event dedicated to the history, preservation, and promotion of Route 66. Cheryl is joined by fellow
MOP board members Dr. Terri Ryburn—scholar, preservationist, and operator of Ryburn Place at Sprague’s Super Service in Normal—and Debyjo Ericksen, whose decades of tourism experience include directing the Red Carpet Corridor, managing tourism at the Illinois Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Route 66, and now serving as Tourism Coordinator at Heritage Corridor Destinations. Together, they bring deep expertise and passion to the conference’s mission of celebrating and sustaining the Mother Road.
