Resilience keynotes for El Paso’s military and border economy
El Paso sits on the Rio Grande, across from Ciudad Juárez. Paris, who has spoken for the US Army, brings The Grit Code to the city.
A city of two nations
El Paso faces Ciudad Juárez across the Rio Grande, forming one of the largest bi-national metro areas in the world.
Fort Bliss, one of the largest US Army installations, is based here.
Paris delivered a keynote on grit, resilience and leadership to the US Army at Fort Shafter, Pearl Harbor.
Who Paris speaks to in El Paso
Army audiences
Leadership and resilience; Paris has spoken for the US Army.
Cross-border trade
Sessions for logistics and manufacturing teams.
Universities
Talks for students and staff.
Healthcare
Keynotes for clinical teams.
Rooms and stages
The El Paso Convention Center hosts regional conferences and events downtown.
- El Paso Convention Center – downtown
- Downtown hotel venues – near San Jacinto Plaza
Pick the format
Options: keynote, 45 to 60 minutes · workshop, 90 minutes up to half a day · virtual session, 30 to 45 minutes · host or MC for your event. Compare formats →
Tested at sea, on the ice and on stage
7 marathons, 7 continents
Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Rowed the Pacific
4,800 km in 2023, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
Read the Fort Shafter recap. US Army at Fort Shafter recap · Keynote speaker Mexico
On stage or on screen
Available for in-person events in El Paso, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organisers typically book US speakers three to five months ahead, so get in touch early to secure your date.
See also keynote speaker in the USA, or browse all keynote speaker locations.
An adventurer with American chapters
Paris Norriss's biggest adventure ended in the United States. With the Brothers N Oars crew he rowed 4,800 km from California to Hawaii in 39 days, 4 hours and 28 minutes, as part of a self-supported, unassisted team in the World's Toughest Row. The row raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation, and Paris went on to live in Hawaii for three months.
In 2025 he delivered his keynote to the US Army at Fort Shafter, Pearl Harbor, and he has spoken at Surfbreak in Honolulu. Miami was one of the stops when he ran seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
For El Paso conferences, sales kick-offs and leadership offsites, The Grit Code turns those experiences into practical habits: purpose, vision, challenging limiting beliefs, adapting the plan and keeping a clear head under pressure. Organisers in the US typically book speakers three to five months ahead, and Paris also delivers 30 to 45-minute virtual keynotes in your time zone.
El Paso’s economy and who the talk is for
El Paso has a population of about 678,815 (2020 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
Other large venues in El Paso
Beyond the main conference halls, El Paso also has large venues for major events, including Don Haskins Center.
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
- 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 El Paso 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 El Paso
Organisers in El Paso 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
- He is the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company.
- Past speaking clients include Nokia, DHL, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Expo 2020, COP28 and the UN Tourism General Assembly.
- In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
- His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
FAQ
Can I book Paris Norriss as a keynote speaker in El Paso?
Yes. He is available for El Paso conferences, offsites and leadership events, on site or online.
Has Paris spoken to Army audiences?
Yes. He gave a keynote on grit and leadership to the US Army at Fort Shafter.
Has Paris spoken in the United States?
Yes. He delivered his keynote to the US Army at Fort Shafter, Pearl Harbor, in 2025 and has spoken at Surfbreak in Honolulu.
How far ahead should US events book Paris?
Organisers in the US typically book speakers three to five months ahead. Virtual keynotes can often be arranged at shorter notice.
Is there a workshop option for teams in El Paso?
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 El Paso?
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.
Planning an event in El Paso?
Tell us about the room and the date. You can also book a call.