The organizers of “Iheimisch,” the Nidwalden trade fair held every seven years, had expected 25,000 visitors. The final tally at the end of the four-day event: Over 30,000 people attended the fair. Given that the first three days of the exhibition were more or less rainy, the new attendance record for “Iheimisch” comes as a surprise. At the same time, however, this result also highlights the importance of this trade fair for the canton of Nidwalden and the entire region.

Just under two years ago, the Engelberg Monastery decided to participate in the “Iheimisch” event. The goal of participating was, on the one hand, to present the Engelberg Monastery as an attractive employer and, on the other hand, to highlight the fact that there are 16 different businesses operating within the monastery. The latter point, in particular, was a frequent topic of conversation at the monastery’s spacious booth. The monastery as an institution, the Stiftsschule Engelberg as a training center for young people, and even the monastery’s carpentry shop were all well known. However, the fact that the Benedictine Abbey also operates its own hotel and restaurant businesses, owns its own hydroelectric power plant, and runs a flower shop and a nursery—visitors were consistently amazed by the diversity of businesses belonging to the Benedictine Abbey of Engelberg. Thanks to its presence at the “Iheimisch” trade fair, the Benedictine Monastery and its businesses achieved the increase in visibility that had been hoped for prior to the exhibition.

The concept for the booth was adapted from the trade fair held three years ago in Engelberg. The various monastery businesses were showcased on a large display at the back of the booth. The centerpiece was the large structure, crafted by the monastery’s carpentry shop and planted with herbs by the nursery. This is where many of the engaging and interesting conversations with exhibition visitors took place. In most cases, the “taster samples” of our monastery white wine and the pear bread prepared by the monastery bakery served as conversation starters. Thanks to the staff from the various operations who were present on site, questions could be answered competently.

Although no tally was kept of exactly how many guests the monastery staff served at the booth, the fact is that the booth attendants were never bored. They always had something to do and were constantly engaged in conversations with exhibition visitors. Based on the feedback received at the booth and afterward, it’s safe to conclude that the appearance of the Benedictine Abbey of Engelberg and its 16 businesses at “Iheimisch” can be considered a success.

Beat Christen
Engelberg Monastery