• Virtual conference or physical location details
• Attendees (including mandatory and optional attendees)
• The meeting goal or objective
• A list of agenda topics in prioritized order
• Indicate whether agenda items require a discussion
• Inform members on how to prepare for the meeting
• Leave a space at the end for action items

• Updates. Individuals or teams briefly share progress, obstacles, and achievements
• Data review. Look at trends in key metrics and results measured from initiatives
• Positive highlights. Big wins and milestones recently accomplished
• News. New information that has surfaced including customer feedback, market influences, and industry news
• Decisions. Topics for discussion where the group should decide on a path forward
• Main takeaways. At the end of the meeting, review major decisions that were made
• Action items. Assign responsibility for each agreed-upon task to one person

• Create the agenda in advance
• Data review. Look at trends in key metrics and results measured from initiatives
• Identify meeting goals and state them clearly
• Provide the right level of detail depending on whether the meeting is formal or informal 
• Use a template like the ones in our library for common/recurring meetings
• Share the agenda with all attendees before the meeting (preferably at least 1 day in advance)
• Read: How to create effective meeting agendas for productive meetings

• Maximize productivity with a designated note-taker
• Follow the agenda and fill in notes along the way next to each agenda item
• Do not include information that is implied by the agenda (e.g. Under ‘Updates’ do not write “An update was given”)
• Always note any decisions made
• Assign each action item to a directly responsible individual

Good meeting agendas promote engagement, alignment, and accountability. The goal of an agenda is to prepare participants for what is happening at the meeting. The level of detail required will depend on whether the meeting is formal or informal and what the topics are. Learn how to create effective meeting agendas.