

From render to reality: How 3D planning made a 50th birthday unforgettable in the Cotswolds
3D planning creates a stress free process
Written by:
Bertie Benson
Date:
19 August 2025
Planning a truly memorable event isn’t just about creativity—it’s about precision, clarity, and making sure every detail is exactly right before the first cable is even laid. At Progression Events, we believe that the best way to deliver this is through advanced 3D planning and visualisation.
The Challenge: Turning Vision into Certainty
Frank Sekula approached us to help create a modern, “gentleman’s club” themed celebration for his wife’s 50th birthday. The brief called for immersive lighting, surround sound, and a seamless guest experience - all in a private Cotswolds venue. Like many clients, Frank wanted to know exactly how his ideas would come to life, not just in theory but in practice.
Our Solution: 3D Visualisation at the Heart of Event Design
We started by building the entire venue in 3D using our suite of design tools—Vectorworks for CAD drawings, Chaos Enscape for real-time walkthroughs, and V-Ray for photorealistic renders. This meant Frank and his family could “walk through” the event space virtually, exploring every detail before anything was built.
What did this mean for the project?
Total Clarity: Frank could see the exact layout, lighting effects, and even the placement of every table and speaker.
Collaborative Planning: All suppliers - lighting, sound, catering, décor - worked from the same 3D plans, ensuring everyone was aligned and nothing was left to chance.
No Surprises: Any tweaks or changes could be made in the virtual model, not on the day, saving time and avoiding stress.
Bringing the Design to Life
Once the plans were approved, our team managed every aspect of production:
Structural Design: We created a space that was both functional and atmospheric, with hidden cabling for a flawless finish.
Lighting Design: Using a mix of modern fixtures and creative programming, we built an immersive environment that shifted with the mood of the evening.
Sound Design: Surround sound installation meant the music felt alive from every corner—no dead spots, no muddiness, just crisp, immersive audio.
Vendor Management: We coordinated all suppliers, ensuring everyone worked to the same detailed plan.
Technical Support: Our team was on hand throughout, handling any last-minute changes with calm expertise.
The Result: A Party Guests Are Still Talking About
Frank summed it up best:
“Bertie helped me throw an epic party for my wife's 50th. She as well as many guests thought it was the best party that they had gone to in a long while. Bertie's advice and execution made the party. He is an absolute pleasure to work with and is cool as a cucumber under pressure. He is also on your side re budget. Not one of those who are always pushing for more.”
Why 3D Planning Matters
For us, 3D planning isn’t just a nice to have it’s the backbone of how we deliver exceptional events. It gives our clients confidence, brings creative visions to life, and ensures every supplier is working in perfect sync. For Frank’s party, it meant a celebration that was as stunning in reality as it was in the render.
Ready to see your event in 3D before it happens? Get in touch and let’s make it real.