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Forge What's Next is coming back to downtown Beaumont on Thursday, November 19.
The night runs from 6 to 8 PM at The Forge, 268 Pearl Street, and it's free to attend.
What's Up SETX and The Forge put the first one together back in August, mostly because there are a lot of people around Southeast Texas working on something and not always a lot of places to actually meet each other.
Some already have businesses. Some are doing something on the side after work. Some are still at the "I have an idea" stage. That's really the mix we're trying to bring into one room again.
Photos: Emerie Photography
The First One Was in August
The first Forge What's Next happened August 20 at The Forge.
People came in, grabbed food, talked, made introductions and stuck around. It felt less like a formal networking event and more like a room full of people comparing notes on what they were working on.
That's what made us want to do it again.
The first Forge What's Next, August 20. Photos: Emerie Photography and What's Up SETX
What November 19 Will Look Like
We're keeping this one pretty simple.
Come by any time between 6 and 8 PM, check in at the front, grab something to eat and meet people. Gulf Coast Guac is bringing appetizers.
There isn't a big formal program to sit through. It's mostly time to talk, make introductions and see who else around Southeast Texas is building something.
You can come straight from work. You can bring a friend. You can also show up by yourself.
What's Up SETX goes out every Monday and Wednesday with local events, food, new businesses and things worth knowing around Southeast Texas. It's free.
Subscribe free →Who Usually Comes to Something Like This?
It's a mix.
You might meet someone who already owns a business in Beaumont, someone working on a side project in Port Neches, a freelancer trying to meet more local clients, or somebody who hasn't launched anything yet but wants to start talking to people who have.
You don't need a polished pitch. If someone asks what you're working on, just tell them.
Want Your Business in the Room?
We're also opening a few sponsor spots for local businesses that want a little more visibility during the night.
This isn't meant to turn the event into a trade show. We're keeping the number limited, and sponsor categories are exclusive so there aren't several businesses in the same space doing the exact same thing.
| Level | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Table | $100 | Half of a shared table to show your work, plus your business name in event posts. Best for non-food makers and nonprofits. |
| Spotlight | $250 | An exclusive category seat, newsletter feature, Instagram, Facebook and Stories coverage, a collab post with What's Up SETX and The Forge, your own blog and event listing, on-site branding and a shout-out during the night. |
| Presenting | $500 | Everything in Spotlight, plus "Presented by" placement across event posts and banners, two minutes on the mic and your giveaway in the prize draw. One available. |
If you'd like to book a seat, email info@whatsupsetx.com.
When and Where
Thursday, November 19, 2026
6 to 8 PM
The Forge, 268 Pearl Street, Beaumont, TX 77701
Free
Check in when you get there. That's it.
If you're looking for more happening that week, we've got the rest on our Southeast Texas events calendar.
Come with an idea. Leave with a connection.
Want Southeast Texas in your inbox twice a week? We send local events, food, new businesses and the things worth knowing every Monday and Wednesday. What's Up SETX is free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forge What's Next
Is Forge What's Next free?
Yes. Forge What's Next is free to attend. It runs Thursday, November 19, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM at The Forge, 268 Pearl Street in downtown Beaumont. Guests can check in at the front door when they arrive.
Do I need to register?
You can check in at the front door when you arrive. The event runs from 6 to 8 PM on Thursday, November 19 at The Forge in downtown Beaumont.
Who is Forge What's Next for?
The event is for local business owners, founders, freelancers, side hustlers and people who are still working through an idea. You don't need to have a finished business or formal pitch to come.
Can my business sponsor Forge What's Next?
Yes. Table, Spotlight and Presenting sponsor spots are available in limited categories. Email info@whatsupsetx.com to book.