Meetings basic rules

Here is a solid basic structure for most types of meetings. This assumes you have considered properly and decided that the meeting is necessary, and also that you have decided (via consultation with those affected if necessary or helpful) what sort of meeting to hold.
1.plan - use the agenda as a planning tool
2.circulate the meeting agenda in advance
3.run the meeting - keep control, agree outcomes, actions and responsibilities, take notes
4.write and circulate notes - especially actions and accountabilities
5. follow up agreed actions and responsibilities

Meetings come in all shapes and sizes, and for lots of purposes.

Meeting purposes include:
giving information
training
discussion (leading to an objective)
generating ideas
planning
workshops
consulting and getting feedback
finding solutions/solving problems
crisis management
performance reporting/assessment
setting targets and objectives
setting tasks and delegating
making decisions
conveying /clarifying policy issues
team building
motivating
special subjects - guest speakers
inter-departmental - process improvement

The acronym POSTAD TV helps to remember how to plan effective meetings, and particularly how to construct the meeting agenda, and then notify the meeting delegates:

Priorities, Outcomes, Sequence, Timings, Agenda, Date, Time, Venue.