As a reminder, during its last edition, in 2024, the show welcomed nearly 2,500 visitors around 111 stands in Spa. The show had kept its friendly side while becoming more professional, “what people remember is the human side. The feedback following the announcement is kind and it’s good for morale because the decision really wasn’t easy to make”.
The success of the Spa rum fair cannot be denied: “a record edition in terms of exhibitors” (photos)
In addition to the workload, the mental load had become very present for the organizing couple who had launched the project. “We often thought about it after the day, we both have full-time jobs, a family… And that’s a lot of contact beforehand.”
And to add in their message on their networks, “our family lives are changing, our priorities are evolving, and the need to take on new challenges is felt. It is time to turn this page to better write the rest of our personal stories”.
Always more brands and flavors to discover at the Salon du rhum in Spa
Note that a show of this magnitude brought together, in addition to the organizing committee, around sixty volunteers from very different backgrounds, “there were secretaries, psychologists, nurses, etc. The very essence of the show was the human aspect, it was getting together, organizing something together, all on a voluntary basis”insists Caroline Büsch.
-A possible alternative?
Unfortunately, the show as such will no longer exist, breathes Caroline Büsch. “We thought of other versions such as organizing it every other year, but the problem of workload arose again so…”
Their decision has been made, so it’s more than a break, the 10th edition will not see the light of day.“We didn’t want to go the year too long. It was a joy each edition with a team of volunteers who became friends over time. It’s a chapter of our lives that is closing.”
Stopping Whiskey-Live: a decision taken with Jacky Büsch
They will remain volunteers of the ASBL Les Minières and they plan to participate in other events in another way, but currently no longer in the organization.
As for the Whiskey Fair, which closed in 2018, the year Caroline Büsch’s father died, it will not be relaunched either, she confirms. Although solicitations have been made towards the couple on various occasions.
