Grit keynotes for conferences in Paris, France
Yes, Paris speaking in Paris. The French capital is one of Europe’s biggest conference cities, and The Grit Code travels well.
A capital of congresses and start-ups
Paris hosts some of Europe’s largest exhibition centres, including Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, and La Défense is continental Europe’s largest purpose-built business district. VivaTech, one of Europe’s biggest start-up and technology events, is held in the city each year.
The city hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics, a reminder of how much grit sits behind every performance.
Corporate and start-up audiences in Paris respond to real stories over slogans. Paris’s keynote is built from the Pacific, the ice and the start line.
Who Paris speaks to in Paris
Headquarters events
Conferences for multinational teams in La Défense.
Tech and start-ups
Talks for founders and investors.
Luxury and hospitality
Sessions for premium brands and hotel groups.
International congresses
Main-stage keynotes for English-language congresses.
Where Paris meets
Paris hosts major international congresses, trade fairs and VivaTech each year.
- Paris Expo Porte de Versailles – one of Europe’s largest exhibition centres
- Palais des Congrès de Paris – at Porte Maillot
Ways to book Paris in Paris
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 →
Stories with the miles behind them
Seven marathons in under six days
Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami: 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
Across the Pacific by rowing boat
A 4,800 km row in 2023 that raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
Paris has spoken for IHG and at the Soneva resorts in the Maldives. IHG Ignite recap · Keynote speaker Maldives
Speaking in Paris, in person or virtually
Available for in-person events in Paris, or virtually in your local time zone.
Organisers typically book speakers about three months ahead, and shorter notice is sometimes possible, so it is worth asking.
Paris speaks in English, and organisers can add interpretation for the audience if needed.
See also keynote speaker in Europe, or browse all keynote speaker locations.
Paris’s economy and who the talk is for
Paris has a population of about 2,103,778 (2023 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
Businesses with their headquarters in Paris include Reporters Without Borders (Q112166189), Chanel (Wholesale trade (business-to-business) of clothing and footwear), Lacoste (activities of head offices), Hermès (clothing industry), L'Oréal (Q112166087) and Christian Dior (holding company activities).
Retail and consumer goods (Chanel and Lacoste). Consumer-goods and retail teams face constant targets. The Grit Code gives them practical tools for motivation that lasts beyond the conference day.
Manufacturing and engineering (Hermès and L'Oréal). Manufacturing and engineering audiences value process. The Grit Code breaks grit into habits that can be practised on a production line or a project site, using the discipline of a 4,800 km ocean row as the example.
Aviation, transport and logistics (Société nationale des chemins de fer français). Logistics and transport audiences understand relentless schedules. Paris’s past clients include DHL, and the keynote draws on what it takes to keep going when every hour counts.
Other large venues in Paris
Beyond the main conference halls, Paris also has large venues for major events, including Vélodrome d'Hiver.
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 Paris 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 Paris
These are typical Paris events for The Grit Code:
- 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.
- He is the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company.
- He ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
- 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 Paris, France?
Yes. Paris speaks at conferences, company events and leadership programmes in Paris, France, in person or virtually.
Does Paris Norriss present in French?
He presents in English. Organisers can arrange an interpreter if needed.
How far ahead should we book?
About three months ahead is typical.
Can Paris speak at a start-up event?
Yes. He has spoken for founder communities including Creative Zone, OPUS and Founders Dubai.
Which Paris industries is The Grit Code suited to?
The keynote is tailored to each sector. In Paris it suits retail and consumer goods, manufacturing and engineering and aviation, transport and logistics audiences in particular, along with leadership teams, sales kick-offs and all-hands meetings in any industry.
Is there a workshop option for teams in Paris?
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 Paris?
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.
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