Every so often, you get to be part of an event that just feels different—in the best possible way. That’s how I would describe my experience at Burn Summit 2025 in Arlington, Texas.
Before this event, I didn’t know much about Burn Boot Camp. But after several packed days at the Arlington Convention Center—right next to Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium—I left with deep respect for this organization, its mission, and its people.
A Front-Row Seat to Burn’s Culture
My role at Summit was to serve as the event photographer, working closely with Burn HQ’s marketing team. And truthfully, what made this experience so memorable wasn’t just the event itself—it was the people I got to work alongside.
From Eryn, Burn’s Brand Director, to the rest of the team I worked with throughout the weekend, every person made me feel welcome and valued. As a freelancer, you don’t always get to feel like part of the team, but that’s exactly how it felt. By the end of the weekend, I wasn’t just enjoying the work—I was enjoying the camaraderie. It felt like I was working with friends, and that speaks volumes about the culture Burn has built at every level.
And yes—the “media war room” we worked out of, overlooking Globe Life Field and AT&T Stadium, wasn’t a bad bonus either.
Excellence at Every Turn
Burn Boot Camp Summit 2025 wasn’t just well-run—it was exceptional at every level. The structure mirrored other large conferences I’ve photographed: general sessions, breakouts, awards, and celebration. But what set it apart was how intentionally every detail was designed to serve and celebrate the people who make Burn what it is: the franchise partners, trainers, and community leaders.
The breakout sessions stood out. It’s not unusual at large conferences for some breakouts to have light attendance or miss the mark. But at Summit, nearly every room I entered was full—some even standing-room-only. It was clear that Burn had listened, planned, and delivered exactly what their people needed.
Each day began with high-energy outdoor group workouts, setting the tone with community and shared purpose. Watching Claire Rohn, the 2024 Trainer of the Year, lead day one’s workout was inspiring; you could immediately see why she earned that title. On the second day, Matt Morris, Burn’s VP of Training, led a live-streamed camp—Burn’s first time taking its livestream on the road beyond their North Carolina headquarters. Watching the team celebrate that achievement was one of those moments that quietly said a lot—not just about Burn’s drive for innovation, but about how much they care about doing things well for their people.
A Vision That Hits Home
One of the most powerful moments of Summit came during a general session when Devan Kline, Burn Boot Camp’s co-founder, spoke with honesty and vulnerability about his personal journey over the past year.
Without making it about success or accolades, Devan shared how he had come to a place where he needed to take a hard look at his life and focus on what mattered most. He spoke about reordering his priorities—putting his relationship with God, his wife, his children, and his health at the center.
What struck me wasn’t just the content of what he said, but the sincerity behind it. It wasn’t overly polished or rehearsed—it was real. As a dad and a Christian myself, his message hit home. It was a reminder that true leadership starts with how we lead and care for our own families, and that when our lives are ordered properly, we’re better equipped to serve others.
Final Reflections
One of the biggest takeaways for me from Summit was how powerful it is when people are unified around a shared purpose. Sure—these were the most bought-in people Burn Boot Camp has. That’s what Summit is for. But watching that level of alignment, energy, and focus wasn’t cheesy or over-the-top. It was moving. It was encouraging.
At one point, someone jokingly asked me, “So are we too much for you?” I just laughed and said, “No man, this is great. You can tell everyone here is truly bought in.” And that’s exactly how it felt—the kind of unity that inspires and reminds you what’s possible when people are all pulling in the same direction.
As someone who also serves in ministry, I left Summit not just impressed, but challenged. Watching Burn honor, equip, and care for their people so well made me reflect on how I can do the same for the volunteers and leaders I serve alongside. It was a reminder that what makes any organization thrive—whether it’s a business, a gym, or a church—is how we invest in the people at its heart.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have documented this event, and I look forward to seeing how Burn Boot Camp continues to empower and inspire in the years ahead.
📸 Scroll through a few of my favorite Summit moments below.
🔗 Click here to learn more about Burn Boot Camp and their mission.
📬 If you’re planning an event that deserves to be captured with purpose and clarity, let’s connect.
