In one large banquet room Wednesday night a listener could hear conversations about literature, politics, astronomy, finances, religion, and yes, even beer.

Dynamic discussions took place among eight people at a table, with a different topic at each of the 40 tables at the sixth annual Great Conversations at the Great Northern Hotel.

This was the first year JoAnn Prost, of Helena, attended the event and just before attendees took their seats, she said, "I'm just on cloud nine."

Read more in the Independent Record.