If you're a small business owner, freelancer or just someone who works for yourself, there's a free networking night coming up in downtown Beaumont.
Tricks of the Trade is happening Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 PM at The Forge, 268 Pearl Street. The idea is simple: bring one useful trick from your trade and swap ideas with other people doing business around Southeast Texas.
It could be a marketing shortcut, a sales tip, an AI prompt you actually use, a money habit or anything else that makes your work easier. The event is free and there's no RSVP required.
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Flyer: The Forge Fund & Coworking
So, What Is Tricks of the Trade?
It's a Halloween-week networking event for local small businesses, but the setup is a little different from the usual mixer.
Instead of just showing up with business cards, everyone is encouraged to bring one thing that has actually helped them in their work. That could be a shortcut, a tool, a process, a script, a prompt or even a simple habit that saves time.
The night includes casual networking, quick tip-sharing and a few rapid-fire ideas from local pros. SodaGo is bringing the treats, and costumes are optional.
What Kind of "Trick" Should You Bring?
It doesn't need to be complicated. Think of something you use often enough that you'd recommend it to someone else.
- Marketing: a type of post that consistently gets people to respond.
- Sales: a follow-up message or question that works well for you.
- AI: a prompt or tool you actually use during the week.
- Money: a simple way you handle pricing, taxes or cash flow.
- Operations: an app, checklist or spreadsheet that keeps things moving.
The point isn't to give a presentation. Just bring one useful thing you can share in conversation.
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Subscribe free →Who's Putting It On?
The Forge is hosting the event at its downtown Beaumont space. The Forge works with entrepreneurs, remote workers and founders through coworking, mentorship and business support.
SodaGo, the gourmet soda drive-thru in Lumberton, is bringing the treats.
Crawl Your Own Way is also partnering on the event.
When and Where Is Tricks of the Trade?
- When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 6 to 8 PM
- Where: The Forge, 268 Pearl Street, Beaumont, TX 77701
- Cost: Free
- RSVP: Not required
- Dress: Costumes are optional
- Hosts: The Forge, SodaGo and Crawl Your Own Way
You can get directions, add it to your calendar or share the event from the Tricks of the Trade page on our events calendar. Updates are also posted on the Facebook event.
If you're also looking for family Halloween plans that week, we pulled together the area's trunk-or-treats in our 2026 Southeast Texas trick-or-treat guide.
Quick version: Wednesday, October 28. 6 to 8 PM. The Forge in downtown Beaumont. Free. Bring one useful trick from your trade.
Want more events, new businesses and things happening around Southeast Texas sent to you twice a week? What's Up SETX is free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tricks of the Trade
Is Tricks of the Trade free, and do I need to RSVP?
Yes, it's free and no RSVP is required. Just show up at The Forge, 268 Pearl Street in downtown Beaumont, between 6 and 8 PM on Wednesday, October 28.
What should I bring to Tricks of the Trade?
Bring one useful trick from your trade. It could be a marketing idea, sales tip, AI prompt, money habit, shortcut or tool you use in your own business. Business cards can help too, but they're not required.
Do I have to wear a costume?
No. Costumes are optional, although the event is happening during Halloween week.
Where is The Forge in Beaumont?
The Forge is at 268 Pearl Street in downtown Beaumont. You can get directions and add Tricks of the Trade to your calendar from the What's Up SETX events page.