IHG Ignite: the grit behind 7 marathons on 7 continents

The event

In November 2025, Paris Norriss spoke at IHG Ignite in Dubai, a three-day event run by IHG Hotels & Resorts. One attendee described it afterwards as “inspiring speakers, great networking, and a true celebration of our industry”.

The programme was packed. Guests heard from Mark Sergot and other IHG leaders, learned about Ruby, the newest IHG brand, heard travel stories from Drew Binsky and global hotel insights from STR. Between sessions there were one-to-one meetings, focus groups, a desert dinner under the stars, a trip to the Burj Khalifa and a Jason Derulo finale.

“This was truly a demonstration of how events should be done,” Paris wrote. “I was glad to speak at it and glad my talk was so well received.”

What Paris spoke about

Paris delivered The Grit Code and told the story of running seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes. His closing message was that the mindset that gave him the grit to finish that challenge is the same mindset needed to achieve anything difficult.

It struck a chord with the audience. One attendee wrote that Paris “somehow ran 7 marathons on 7 continents in under 6 days”, adding that it “makes any work challenge feel achievable!”

Highlights

• Keynote at IHG Ignite, a three-day IHG Hotels & Resorts event in Dubai.
• The story of seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes.
• A closing message on mindset: “Who we become, starts with how we think.”

About The Grit Code keynote

The Grit Code is built on real stories from extreme environments. Paris rowed 4,800km across the Pacific Ocean in 2023 with the Brothers N Oars crew, a row that raised more than £150,000 for marine conservation. He also ran seven marathons on seven continents in 5 days, 21 hours and 51 minutes, in Antarctica, Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami.

From those experiences he draws practical lessons on purpose, vision, limiting beliefs, adapting a plan and keeping a clear head under pressure. He has delivered the keynote for audiences including the UN Tourism General Assembly, TEDx Amman, COP28, Expo 2020, DHL, Nokia, Kraft Heinz, IHG, Dubai Airports, Durlston Partners in London and Surfbreak in Honolulu. Every talk starts with a briefing call, so the stories connect to your theme, your industry and the challenges your people are facing right now.

“Who we become, starts with how we think.”
— Paris Norriss on LinkedIn

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Want Paris for your own conference or leadership event? Read more about The Grit Code, see more past speaking events or send an enquiry. Planning an event in the region? See Paris as a keynote speaker in the UAE.