They specialize in themed pop-up experiences in different restaurants throughout Victoria, but in the last few months, their customers have been stricken with doubts in regards to their events.
The company, known as Hidden Media Network, promotes these types of events across Canada, Europe, Australia and more.
The Victoria chapter of the company has put on several unique events that many media outlets would provide coverage on, including Victoria Buzz.
They promoted events such as the Alice in Wonderland-themed cocktail night at Sonora Bar & Grill in downtown Victoria this past January and the infamous Karen’s Diner experience which took place in March — both of which were extremely popular.
However, some not-so-popular ones have had to be cancelled due to lack of ticket sales.
In August, two back-to-back events that were to be held at The Loft on Gorge Road were abruptly cancelled with no heads up to those who bought tickets from HIdden Media or the organizers.
The problem was, none of the ticket holders were told so they showed up only to be extremely disappointed.
Shelley Allen, Hidden Media Networks’s Public Relations and Communications representative, told Victoria Buzz in August that this was a one-off miscommunication, blaming a new hire for the situation.
“Unfortunately, there has been an internal error with these events,” Allen told Victoria Buzz. “We have a new team member and they accidentally put potential venues in place of confirmed venues, which meant that events were sent to media with the wrong addresses.”
“We were made aware of this last week and have been working to correct the issues which have arisen from this mistake.”
“As well as this, due to low ticket sales both events were postponed.” she continued.
Allen said both events were to be moved to a later date with the Taylor Swift and ABBA event being postponed to late October and they have been, but whether they actually take place is to be determined.
The most recent debacle for Hidden Media Network Victoria is their Barbie-themed brunch.
“The ticketing website stated the exact venue would be announced closer to the date of the event,” said Kayla Heath in an email to Victoria Buzz. “It simply stated Burdett Ave as the location.”
“The event is happening this weekend and we still have not been provided with a venue location.”
Heath told Victoria Buzz she looked up the event only to find that the date has been postponed until late-February with no communication from the organizers or promoters.
“When I checked two days ago it still said October,” said Heath.
The tickets for these Hidden Media events are sold through a third party and Heath cannot seem to find or get ahold of any organizer to be provided a refund.
“There is a link that allows you to contact the organizer, but no organizer contact info is provided. I’ve reached out to [Hidden Media] three times with no response,” Heath explained.
“It appears this whole thing is a scam. I’ve tried searching for photos and articles about the events that happened in Calgary and Edmonton last weekend to no avail.”
Victoria Buzz reached out to Hidden Media Network’s Shelley Allen for a response to these allegations, but have received no response as of this publication.
Meanwhile, Heath and other ticket holders have yet to receive a refund.
