Grit keynotes in Amman, from the Roman Theatre to your event
In October 2025 Paris delivered The Grit Code at TEDx Amman to around 4,000 people in the city’s ancient Roman Theatre.
A young city with big ambitions
Amman is the capital of Jordan and its largest city. Its Roman Theatre, dating from the 2nd century AD, seats about 6,000 people and still hosts events today.
TEDx Amman, part of TED’s Global Ideas Search, brought a mostly young audience of students to hear Paris. Afterwards they surrounded him with questions. “The future is in very good hands,” he said.
Jordan’s start-up, tech and development sectors are growing, and international organisations have regional offices in Amman. The Grit Code helps their teams keep going through long timelines.
Who Paris speaks to in Amman
Universities and youth
Talks for students; Paris’s TEDx audience was mostly young people.
Founders and tech
Grit for founders building through uncertainty.
International organisations
Resilience sessions for teams in development and humanitarian work.
Conferences
Keynotes for annual conferences and leadership meetings.
Where Amman meets
Amman hosts regional conferences and youth events, and the Roman Theatre hosted TEDx Amman in October 2025.
- Hotel and conference venues – across Abdali, Shmeisani and West Amman
- King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center – at the Dead Sea, used for major national conferences
Ways to book Paris in Amman
Most Amman organisers book the 45–60 minute Grit Code keynote. Teams that want depth add a Grit Deconstruction workshop of 90 minutes to half a day, remote audiences get a 30–45 minute virtual version, and Paris can also host and moderate full-day events. Compare formats →
Endurance you can measure
A marathon on every continent
7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, from Antarctica to Miami via Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid and Fortaleza.
4,800 km of open ocean
The 2023 Pacific row, which raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
Read the TEDx Amman recap, and see the Jordan page for more. TEDx Amman recap · Keynote speaker Jordan
Past events in Amman
- TEDx Amman: The Grit Code in a Roman Theatre – October 2025 · Roman Theatre, Amman
Speaking in Amman, in person or virtually
Available for in-person events in Amman, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organisers in the Middle East typically book speakers one to two months ahead, so an early enquiry gives the best chance of your preferred date.
Talks are delivered in English; an interpreter can be arranged by the organiser where helpful.
See also keynote speaker in Jordan, or browse all keynote speaker locations.
Amman’s economy and who the talk is for
Amman has a population of about 4,007,526 (2015 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
Students, graduates and faculty
Higher education is part of Amman’s talent pipeline, with institutions such as Princess Sumaya University for Technology, Jordan Media Institute and Al-Zaytoonah University of Jordan. Paris’s talks for students and graduates focus on grit as a skill that can be learned, using his own expeditions as evidence.
Typical formats include welcome weeks, graduation events, entrepreneurship programmes and alumni dinners. University keynote speaker →
Other large venues in Amman
For bigger audiences and set-piece events, Amman venues include Palace of Justice, Amman and Prince Hamza Hall.
Paris is comfortable on any stage, from an arena to a boardroom, and can also host the main stage as MC. Event host and MC →
How a Grit Code session works
- Paris starts with a short briefing call to understand the room, the sector and the challenge in front of it.
- The keynote uses film from his expeditions and TV work to make each idea concrete.
- Many organisers pair it with a Grit Deconstruction workshop or ask Paris to host the full day.
The content is shaped around Amman organisations and their goals, so the room hears examples that match its own challenges. Paris presents as an adventurer and CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, not as a theorist.
Where the talk fits in Amman
These are typical Amman events for The Grit Code:
- Leadership offsites and strategy days, where senior teams need energy for a hard year ahead.
- Sales kick-offs and annual conferences, where the talk resets ambition and stamina.
- Awards nights and staff celebrations, where Paris can speak or host.
- Graduation, alumni and entrepreneurship events.
Credentials at a glance
- His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
- Past speaking clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
- He ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
- In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
FAQ
Can I book Paris Norriss as a keynote speaker in Amman?
Yes. Paris speaks at conferences, company events and leadership programmes in Amman, in person or virtually.
Has Paris spoken in Amman before?
Yes. He delivered The Grit Code at TEDx Amman to around 4,000 people in the Roman Theatre in October 2025.
Does Paris speak in Arabic?
Paris presents in English. Organisers can arrange an interpreter if needed.
What lead time is typical for Amman?
One to two months is usual in the region; ask about your date even if it is sooner.
Does Paris speak at universities in Amman?
Yes. He speaks to students, graduates and staff, for example at institutions such as Princess Sumaya University for Technology and Jordan Media Institute, on grit as a learnable skill.
Is there a workshop option for teams in Amman?
Yes. The Grit Deconstruction workshop runs from 90 minutes to half a day and turns the keynote’s ideas into team habits and actions.
Can the keynote be delivered online for teams in Amman?
Yes. A 30–45 minute virtual version is available for remote or hybrid audiences, delivered in your local time zone.
Who has Paris spoken for?
Past clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · TV shows · Contact