Springfield Named as 2026 Route 66 Centennial Host City for Miles of Possibility Conference

10/25/2022

Springfield, IL - At the 7th annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference held last weekend in Pontiac, Illinois, the City of Springfield, Illinois, was named as the centennial host city for the 11th annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the designation of Route 66, and this event will be equally special.

Linking Chicago, IL, to Santa Monica, CA, the creation of Route 66 was a monumental occasion for the United States. 100 years later, this legendary highway embodies the freedom of the open road and transports travelers back in time to the era of neon lights, diners and one-of-a-kind roadside attractions.

To celebrate the Route 66 Centennial, Miles of Possibility organization along with Visit Springfield, will be creating a 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference that is equally as special as this 100 year milestone. This conference will include topics relevant to Route 66 business owners, travel professionals, as well as history lovers and travel enthusiasts. Speakers from all eight states represented along Route 66 will be invited to become a part of this conference. This pop-up Route 66 event will be one of many celebrations that individuals can look forward to in 2026; don’t miss out!

Attendees at the 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference can expect one of a kind immersive Route 66 activities as well as special behind the scenes sneak peeks of Springfield’s sites and attractions. Whether one is a travel professional or a travel enthusiast, all are invited to participate! Get excited for future announcements of what will be in store for the 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference. Announcements will be made on Route66MilesOfPossibility.com and VisitSpringfieldIllinois.com.

"It is a distinct honor for Springfield, IL to be chosen to host the 2026 Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference in the centennial year. I appreciate the confidence the MOP Board has in Visit Springfield, this announcement underscores our community’s Route 66 assets & efforts", Scott Dahl, Director, Visit Springfield.

About the Miles of Possibility Conference

The Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference was established in 2015 in Edwardsville, Illinois. It has since been presented annually, with the exception of 2020, in various Illinois Route 66 cities, including Joliet, Pontiac, Bloomington-Normal, and Carlinville, featuring a mix of speakers, local area tours, networking, and social activities, all with a focus on Route 66 history, education, preservation, and tourism.

About Visit Springfield

Visit Springfield, the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing agency for the City of Springfield, Illinois. Visit Springfield markets the capital city as a unique convention, meeting, and leisure destination as well as a great place to live and work.

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For more information or to set up a media interview, contact Sarah Waggoner, Tourism Manager at 217-789-2360 ext. 5528, or e-mail sarah.waggoner@springfield.il.us.