An event host and MC who holds the room
Paris Norriss is a TV presenter and keynote speaker who also hosts conferences, awards nights and corporate events. His adventure TV shows are distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views. He can host the day and deliver the keynote.
Hosting formats
Conference host / MC
Opens, links and closes the day, and keeps it on time.
Awards nights
Presents with energy and warmth.
Panel moderator
Keeps panels sharp and the audience involved.
Host plus keynote
Host the event and deliver The Grit Code keynote.
On camera and on stage
Rowed the Pacific
In 2023, with three teammates.
7 marathons on 7 continents
In 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Adventure TV
Shows distributed in 123 countries; Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
TEDx Amman, COP28, Expo 2020
Clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, Dubai Airports, IHG and UN Tourism.
From the organisers
I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Paris Norriss in action as a storyteller, motivator and a true catalyst for transformation. Through his powerful awe-inspiring adventures, he doesn’t just recount tales of endurance and grit, he lives them.
Paris is both captivating and uplifting. We appreciated his open, honest, and heartfelt journey. His raw and genuine account of his pioneering adventure underlines his resilience and grit against any obstacle he faced. His story is highly impactful and we found it inspiring to deliver more passion, energy and a collaborative spirit.
I had the pleasure of working with Paris during TEDxAmman, the largest TEDx event in the MENA region, where he joined us as one of our inspiring speakers. From the very start, he showed professionalism, positivity, and contagious enthusiasm that uplifted everyone around him.
A presenter by trade
Paris created and hosted Guy in Dubai, which has 22 million views, and his TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries and aired on Dubai TV, OSN, Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia. That experience in front of a camera translates directly to a live stage: clear timing, calm under pressure and an easy rapport with guests.
He is a regular host of AI Talks by Founders, has hosted shows at the Dakar Rally in Qiddiya, and hosted the UN Tourism meeting in Riyadh.
More than reading the script
- Opening the event and setting the energy for the day.
- Introducing speakers and moderating panels and fireside chats.
- Keeping the agenda on time when sessions overrun.
- Running audience Q&A and live polls.
- Closing with a summary that ties the day together.
Many organisers book Paris to host and to give The Grit Code keynote at the same event.
Conferences, galas and launches
Typical bookings include industry conferences, AI and technology events, award ceremonies, product launches and charity dinners. Paris is an ambassador for the charity Gulf for Good and hosted a charity gala dinner for it at the Lana Hotel in Dubai in November 2025.
From briefing to final bow
Hosting starts well before the day. Paris reviews the agenda, speaker biographies and sponsor commitments, then joins a briefing call with the organiser and production team. He writes his own links between sessions so each speaker is introduced with a clear reason for the audience to listen.
On the day he works closely with the stage manager, adjusts timings when sessions run long or short, and keeps the energy steady from the opening remarks to the final thank-yous. For hybrid events he speaks to the camera as well as the room, a habit from years of presenting television.
Bookings can include hosting only, hosting plus a Grit Code keynote, or moderating a single panel.
Common questions
Can Paris host and give a keynote at the same event?
Yes. Many organisers book Paris to host the day and deliver The Grit Code keynote.
Does Paris speak outside the UAE?
Yes. Paris hosts and speaks at events worldwide.
Can Paris host and give a keynote at the same event?
Yes. Many organisers book him as MC for the day and as a keynote speaker.
Does Paris moderate panels?
Yes. He moderates panels and fireside chats, including as a regular host of AI Talks by Founders.
What kinds of events does Paris host?
Conferences, AI and tech events, award nights, launches and charity galas.
Does Paris work with production teams on run-of-show?
Yes. He joins briefing calls and rehearsals so the timing and scripts work on the day.
Formats, timing and next steps
Most organisers book a 45–60 minute Grit Code keynote with Q&A. Teams that want to go further add the Grit Deconstruction workshop, which runs from 90 minutes to half a day and turns the talk into habits and commitments the group can use on Monday morning.
A 30–45 minute virtual version is available for remote or hybrid audiences. Paris can also host the full day as MC, which keeps the tone consistent from the opening to the close. He is CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, so the briefing call covers both the audience’s goals and the practical run-of-show.
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly. His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views. The talk draws on the 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, and on the 2023 Pacific row of 4,800 km that raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
To book, share the date, venue or virtual platform, audience size and the outcome you want. Paris replies with a short outline tailored to your room, then joins a briefing call before the event.
Book an event host
Tell us the date, the audience and what you want them to walk out with. See the full Grit Code keynote.