ALEX & MITCH
Directors of Dangerous Goods Ent.
Dangerous Goods Entertainment began with two young mates from Melbourne’s West who refused to accept that Australia’s techno scene couldn’t match the energy of Europe’s greatest festivals. After nine months immersed in the European circuit from Germany to Ibiza Mitchell Lyman and Alex Schmidt returned home in 2018 with a bold vision: create daytime techno events that foster connection, escapism, and community.
With no big investors or industry backing, they built everything from scratch. Working from their homes, they grew an online community, connected with venues and DJs, and marketed solely through social media. Every event sold out.
During Melbourne’s long lockdowns, when human connection felt out of reach, Dangerous Goods launched Cocktails and Techno—a seated, socially distanced rave for just 40 people. It was a logistical nightmare under strict regulations, but the emotional impact was undeniable. People were simply grateful to be together again. Within months, they were selling out 100-person events and building a loyal following hungry for connection.
Growth didn’t come without hardship. The duo took bold financial risks, navigated sudden lockdown cancellations, and absorbed heavy losses including a $200,000 setback on the Aura Camping Festival.
Their partnership was tested not only in business but in life. Mitchell’s loss of his mother to cancer and Alex’s struggles balancing engineering work with the pressures of building the company deepened their commitment to supporting one another. Their mantra remained simple: we work as a team.
Today, Dangerous Goods Entertainment has grown from two founders to a dedicated team of 15, with events expanding across Melbourne, Sydney, and plans for Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Despite their rapid growth, their purpose remains unchanged: to create unforgettable experiences where people feel free, connected, and part of something bigger than themselves.
From a 40-person seated rave to 22,000-person festivals, their journey proves that the greatest risks often lead to the most rewarding experiences and that passion, resilience, and community can turn an impossible dream into reality.LAUREN
Originally from Scotland, Lauren spent six years working with Terminal V where she built extensive experience in large-scale event operations. At the start of 2025, she relocated to Australia, where she met Alex and Mitch and began working with them shortly after – joining the Dangerous Goods Team.
Today, Lauren oversees sales, logistics, and office management on a day-to-day basis, as well as managing the DG promoter team. During events, she leads the artist team, ensuring smooth coordination and an exceptional experience from arrival to performance. Her passion lies in bringing all the moving parts together to deliver seamless, high-impact events.
CONOR
Conor joined Dangerous Goods full-time in 2025, after three years with the team managing its social media. He holds an Honours degree in Industrial Design and brings six years of industry experience into his role as Brand Manager.
Conor is responsible for curating the brand’s graphic and visual content across marketing and social platforms, overseeing Instagram content, the influencer team, and DG’s wider digital footprint. He ensures a consistent, considered visual identity across all touchpoints. On event days, Conor also works as an Assistant Event Manager, supporting on-ground operations and delivery.
NIKOLAS
Nikolas joined Dangerous Goods in 2021, quickly making his mark in the Australian electronic music scene. While balancing full-time work as an electrician until 2025, he honed his skills as a DJ and producer, earning a reputation for his dedication, consistency, and standout performances.
Today, Nikolas is a key creative force at Dangerous Goods, curating local DJ talent, shaping event lineups, and managing the collective’s digital presence across TikTok, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Spotify. Touring nationally and internationally as Nik Kastel, he continues to grow his personal brand while driving the global reach of the collective.
Maggie
Maggie joined Dangerous Goods in 2026 as a Social Media Intern before quickly moving into a full-time role. She is currently studying at Deakin University, majoring in Social Media and Media and Communication.
Maggie works across marketing and communications within the team, looking after Dangerous Goods’ TikTok and assisting with the brand’s wider social media presence. She creates content, works across marketing campaigns, manages incoming enquiries and coordinates content across event days. She loves the variety of the role, meeting new people and being part of the team that brings each event to life.
