Putting Philly on the global stage, 2026 and beyond
As the newly minted director of Philadelphia 2026, Michael Newmuis has the power to show the world what Philly’s all about—and he’s fully intent on doing that, and more. Philadelphia’s not only the birthplace of the nation, but in 2026, it’ll be the front door to America for millions of visitors, including a projected 500,000 visitors for the FIFA World Cup, tens of thousands more for the MLB All-Star Game and endless others here to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Navy and Marines Corps, the Fourth of July festivities and myriad other events planned throughout the year. “These make 2026 more than just a year—it’s a call for Philadelphians to think and act big,” he exclaims. We’ll undoubtedly see more of him on the world stage leading up to 2026, but here, he gives some insight into who he is today.
WAKE-UP TIME: 6 a.m.
DOPPELGANGER: My brother
NEMESIS: Excuses
ESCAPE: Puerto Vallarta
WEAKNESS: Famous 4th Street’s chocolate chip cookies
UNIFORM: Blazer and trousers
WORKOUT: Swimming
LAST MEAL: Mom’s lasagna
MOVIE: Interstellar
MENTOR: Mark Segal
SHOES: Penny loafers
BEST ADVICE: Omit needless words
PHILANTHROPY: KB Foundation
MANTRA: “Everyone has their journey”
SINGER: Zach Bryan
TV SHOW: Station Eleven
APP: X
CAR: Lexus
COCKTAIL: The Last Word
DINNER: Grilled chicken and broccoli
SOULMATE: Kevin Lessard
BEDTIME: 11:45 p.m.
BOOK AT BEDSIDE: Think Again by Adam Grant
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus
FAVORITE WORK OF ART: Execution of Torrijos
LOCAL HAUNT: Avenue of the Arts
ZODIAC: Leo
3 DESERT ISLAND ESSENTIALS: Books, bourbon and my babe
Photography by: RICHARD FFRENCH
