What is an agenda in the context of meetings?

An agenda serves as the order of business for a meeting, outlining the topics to be discussed and the sequence in which they will be addressed. It provides a structured framework that helps participants know what to expect and prepares them to engage in the discussion regarding each item. Creating an agenda is an essential step in the meeting planning process, as it facilitates time management and ensures that all relevant issues are covered efficiently.

An agenda typically includes specific items for discussion, action items, the allocation of time for each topic, and often the individuals responsible for presenting or leading the discussion on each item. This organization helps keep the meeting focused and productive, minimizing the chances of straying off-topic.

In contrast, written minutes from the last meeting serve as a record of what was discussed and decided, a list of attendees simply identifies who is present, and rules governing the organization provide guidelines for operations but do not specify meeting content.