Grit keynotes at the end of the longest pier
Southend-on-Sea became a city in 2022 and has the longest pleasure pier in the world. Paris brings The Grit Code to its businesses and public services.
Seaside, and a new city
Southend Pier reaches 1.33 miles (2.14 km) into the Thames Estuary, the longest pleasure pier in the world.
Southend was granted city status in 2022 in memory of its MP, Sir David Amess.
Tourism remains a key industry, employing more than 7,500 people in 2019. For a town built on the water, Paris’s Pacific row is a story that fits.
Who Paris speaks to in Southend-on-Sea
Tourism and leisure
Keynotes for seasonal teams.
Councils and health
Resilience for frontline staff.
South Essex College and university
Talks for students and staff.
Local firms
Sessions for small and growing businesses.
Rooms and stages
The Cliffs Pavilion and the seafront hotels host Southend’s conferences and awards nights.
- Cliffs Pavilion – the largest purpose-built arts venue in Essex
- Palace Theatre – an Edwardian theatre opened in 1912
- Seafront hotels – for dinners and away days
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 →
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.
Watch the film of Paris’s 39 days at sea. 39 days at sea: the Pacific row film · Keynote speaker Chelmsford · Keynote speaker London
On stage or on screen
Available for in-person events in Southend-on-Sea, 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.
Southend-on-Sea’s economy and who the talk is for
Southend-on-Sea has a population of about 160,257 (2011 figure, Wikidata), which makes it a substantial market for conferences, leadership events and company gatherings.
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 Southend-on-Sea 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 Southend-on-Sea
These are typical Southend-on-Sea 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
- His TV shows have been distributed in 123 countries, and Guy in Dubai has 22 million views.
- He ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
- He is the CEO of Blazing Sand Studios, an AI video production company.
- In 2023 he rowed 4,800 km across the Pacific with three teammates, raising more than £150,000 for marine conservation.
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 Southend-on-Sea?
Yes. He is available for Southend-on-Sea conferences, offsites and leadership events, on site or online.
Does Paris speak to tourism and leisure teams?
Yes. He can tailor the keynote to busy seasons and customer pressure.
Can Paris speak at the Cliffs Pavilion?
Yes. He speaks in theatres, halls and hotels, or virtually.
Is there a workshop option for teams in Southend-on-Sea?
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 Southend-on-Sea?
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.
Planning an event in Southend-on-Sea?
Tell us about the room and the date. You can also book a call.