Breaking Chains: From Event Success to Addiction and Back
- Feb 18
- 3 min read
by Connie Paglianiti
I spent over 40 years in the high-pressure world of event management, creating unforgettable experiences with celebrities like Susan Sarandon, Sophia Loren, Jane Seymour and Goldie Hawn. I orchestrated everything from intimate charity galas to large-scale festivals for thousands. My work earned state awards in Victoria, including for the La Dolce Italia Carnevale Masquerade Ball, a finalist for Best New Event. It was a glamorous, fast-paced life. But behind the scenes, I was battling a personal struggle far darker than anyone could have imagined.
From the Pinnacle of Success to Addiction
It all started when a business deal went horribly wrong. I was deceived by someone I trusted, and in an attempt to recover my losses, I turned to gambling. What began as a means to regain control soon spiralled into a destructive addiction. My life, once defined by successful events and accolades, began to unravel.
The losses piled up, not just financially, but emotionally and spiritually. I made choices I deeply regret, choices that ultimately landed me in prison for two and a half years. The shame, guilt, and fear of losing everything I had built were suffocating. When I was released, I isolated myself, spending another two and a half years hiding from the world, convinced my life and career were over.
Rebuilding from the Ashes
Recovery from addiction is never easy, and my journey was no exception. It required humility, vulnerability, and a willingness to face the damage I had done—not just to my life, but to those who trusted me. Through therapy, support groups, and the strength of the people around me, I started to rebuild.
One of the most powerful lessons I learned is that addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can take hold of anyone, no matter how successful or in control they may seem. But recovery is possible, and it’s worth every moment of struggle. Today, I use my experience to raise awareness about gambling addiction and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding it.
A New Purpose
In returning to the world of event management, I found a renewed sense of purpose. My career had always been about creating experiences, but now it was about more than just the event itself. It became a platform to champion causes, inspire change, and give back to the communities that supported me.
As a speaker for Gambler’s Help and their ReSPIN Program, I share my story to help others avoid the same pitfalls. I want to show people that no matter how far you’ve fallen, there’s always a way back. My story is one of redemption and resilience, and if it can help even one person, it’s worth sharing.
I’ve also channelled my passion for events into educating others. I’ve written eBooks on event management and developed online courses to train the next generation of event managers. My goal is not just to teach the logistics of running events but to instil the importance of ethics, sustainability, and resilience.
Looking Forward
It’s been a long road from award-winning event management to addiction and recovery. The journey has taught me the value of vulnerability, second chances, and self-compassion. I want my story to be a testament to the fact that no matter how deep the fall, you can rise again.
Today, I’m proud of the work I’ve done and the person I’ve become. I continue to manage events, speak about addiction recovery, and share my story of resilience.
If my experiences can offer hope and inspiration to others, then every challenge I faced was worth it.
Connect with Connie
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