Grit keynotes in Britain’s oldest recorded town
Colchester was a Roman capital, survived Boudica, and became a city in 2022. Paris brings The Grit Code to its campus, garrison and businesses.
Rebuilt after Boudica
Colchester claims to be the oldest recorded town in Britain. As Camulodunum it was a Roman provincial capital, destroyed in Boudica’s rebellion in AD 61 and rebuilt.
Its Norman castle keep, built on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius, has the largest area of any medieval tower in Britain or Europe and now holds a museum.
Colchester Garrison houses the 16th Air Assault Brigade, and the University of Essex was founded at Wivenhoe Park in 1961. City status was announced in 2022.
Who Paris speaks to in Colchester
Garrison and defence
Keynotes for service personnel and families.
University of Essex
Talks for students and staff.
Local firms
Resilience for growing teams.
Museums and tourism
Sessions for visitor-facing staff.
Where Colchester meets
The castle, the Mercury Theatre and the University of Essex campus host Colchester’s events.
- Colchester Castle – a Norman keep and museum
- Mercury Theatre – a repertory theatre opened in 1972
- Colchester Arts Centre – in a former church
Ways to book Paris in Colchester
The Grit Code keynote (45–60 min) · Grit Deconstruction workshop (90 min to half day) · virtual keynote (30–45 min) · event host and MC. Compare formats →
Why audiences believe him
5 days, 21 hours, 51 minutes
The time it took Paris to run 7 marathons on 7 continents: Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.
More than £150,000 raised
For marine conservation, by rowing 4,800 km across the Pacific in 2023.
Read how The Grit Code works. The Grit Code keynote · Keynote speaker Chelmsford · Keynote speaker Cambridge
Speaking in Colchester, in person or virtually
Available for in-person events in Colchester, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organisers typically book UK speakers about three months ahead, and shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is worth asking.
See also keynote speaker in the UK, or browse all keynote speaker locations.
Colchester’s economy and who the talk is for
Colchester has a population of about 121,859 (2011 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
How a Grit Code session works
- Before the event, Paris speaks with the organiser about the audience and the outcome they want.
- On the day, the 45–60 minute Grit Code keynote mixes adventure film, stories and practical tools.
- Afterwards, teams can go deeper with a Grit Deconstruction workshop of 90 minutes to half a day.
The content is shaped around Colchester 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 Colchester
Organisers in Colchester usually book Paris for one of these occasions:
- Kick-off meetings for new financial years, projects or teams.
- Industry association conferences and trade-show main stages.
- Executive retreats that pair the keynote with a Grit Deconstruction workshop.
- Hybrid all-hands meetings with a virtual version for remote staff.
Credentials at a glance
- Past speaking 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.
- In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
- He is the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company.
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.
FAQ
Can I book Paris Norriss as a keynote speaker in Colchester?
Yes. Paris speaks at conferences, company events and leadership programmes in Colchester, in person or virtually.
Does Paris speak to military audiences?
Yes. He has spoken for the US Army and talks about teamwork under pressure.
Can Paris speak at a University of Essex event?
Yes. He speaks to students, researchers and staff.
Is there a workshop option for teams in Colchester?
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 Colchester?
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.
How far in advance should we book?
Most organisers book between four and twelve weeks ahead. Last-minute bookings are sometimes possible if the date is free, especially for virtual sessions.
Does Paris travel for in-person events?
Yes. He speaks at conferences and company events worldwide, in person or virtually, and shapes each talk around the local audience.
What does the briefing call cover?
Audience profile, the outcome you want, industry language to use or avoid, AV needs, and whether a workshop or MC role is part of the day.
Bring grit to your next Colchester event
Share your date and audience, or book a call.
More about Paris: About · The Grit Code · TV shows · Contact