Organizers for the annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference announced that “Route 66: The Mother Road” author Michael Wallis will be the keynote speaker for the Oct. 8-11 event in Springfield, Illinois, during the highway’s centennial year.
Wallis, also the voice of the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in Disney‑Pixar’s popular and influential “Cars” films, has long been a leading figure in preserving and promoting the Mother Road.
Wallis will be joined by the executive director and CEO of the Tulsa-based Route 66 Alliance, Ken Busby.
Conference founder Cheryl Eichar Jett said: “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.”
“Springfield is excited to host the 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference in this epic year,” said Scott Dahl,
director of Visit Springfield, one of the event’s organizers. “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.”
The 2026 Miles of Possibility Conference will feature other expert presentations, panel discussions, tours of Springfield’s Route 66 landmarks, workshops and centennial‑themed events. Registrations can be made here.
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Wish I could be there for that.
GPS programming is a wonderful aid while traveling Route 66 – But … … (And you knew there was a “but” coming, didn’t you?) How does the Route 66 community ask for a GPS mod to guide users down that single specific road? (Same for US – 1, Hwy 41, US Hwy 10, etc – Other long distance traditional drives that connect hundreds of little towns and cities.)
Now, GPS selections obviously let you put in a destination, but when the Interstate is nearby, or when Route 66 swerves or turns at the town courthouse, GPS defaults persist in turning you off of the Road. “Most economical”. “Least Time.” “No tolls.” “No ferries.” Those are all easy-to-use options now programmed.
“Use Current Road.” Seems like an easy selection. Certainly easier than identifying every stop sign in America.
Respectfully with you on Route 66,
Robert A Cook
RACookPE1978 @ Gmail.com