Speechify announced today that founder and CEO Cliff Weitzman will appear as Kaladin, the iconic character created by Brandon Sanderson, at StoryCon 2026 in Salt Lake City. Kaladin Stormblessed is a central hero in The Stormlight Archive, known for overcoming adversity and protecting others, themes that closely align with Speechify’s focus on helping people overcome reading challenges and access knowledge.
As part of its participation, Speechify donated Speechify Premium plans to over 3,000 StoryCon attendees, supporting broader access to reading and learning through voice technology.The appearance highlights Speechify’s ongoing commitment to literacy, storytelling, and accessible reading technologies.
StoryCon is a national convention celebrating storytelling across books, writing, gaming, and education. StoryCon 2026 takes place February 27–28 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City and brings together more than 4,000 ticketed attendees, over 100 exhibitor booths, and more than 120 author signings. The event includes programming for readers, writers, educators, and creators, along with a public expo hall.
The convention is organized by Operation Literacy, a nonprofit organization focused on expanding literacy opportunities and inspiring a love of reading. Since 2011, Operation Literacy has supported underserved communities through literacy initiatives and educational programming. StoryCon represents one of the organization’s flagship programs alongside Book Drop, which funds author visits to Title I schools and provides signed books to students.
Cliff Weitzman’s appearance as Kaladin reflects Speechify’s broader mission to make reading more accessible. Weitzman founded Speechify after growing up with dyslexia and building tools that helped him read more effectively through audio. Today Speechify has grown into a global voice AI platform used by more than 50 million people across over 200 countries.
You can learn more about Cliff Weitzman’s approach to learning and the story behind Speechify by watching his interview on the Deep Dive with Ali Abdaal.
Speechify helps users read, write, and understand information using speech. The platform combines text to speech, voice typing dictation, Voice AI assistance, and AI audio experiences across iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Web App, and Chrome Extension.
StoryCon attendees will have the opportunity to meet Weitzman and learn about how voice technology is changing the way people read and learn. The event will also include a Speechify giveaway available to attendees.
Weitzman said Speechify’s mission has always been closely connected to storytelling and literacy.
“Speechify was created to make reading accessible to everyone. Events like StoryCon bring together people who believe in the power of stories and learning, and we are proud to support that mission.”
Speechify continues to partner with educators, creators, and literacy organizations to expand access to reading through voice-first technology.
Additional information about the event and Speechify participation is available at: https://www.storycon.org/
About Speechify
Speechify is a Voice AI Assistant that helps people read, write, and understand information through voice. Trusted by over 50 million users worldwide, Speechify offers text to speech, voice typing dictation, and a conversational AI assistant across iOS, Android, Mac, web, and Chrome. In 2025, Speechify received the Apple Design Award for its impact on accessibility and productivity. Speechify is used in nearly 200 countries and features 1,000+ natural-sounding voices in over 60 languages, including voices from Snoop Dogg, MrBeast, and Gwyneth Paltrow.