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Every meeting should have:

* an agenda, so people know what is going to be discussed and the right people can be in the meeting, and how long it might take

* expected outcomes - e.g. Are we just discussing something, are we deciding something

If those two things aren't done, it's likely not to be an effective meeting.

Let me add: A notetaker and published minutes, so everything discussed and decided can be referenced later.

Indeed, and actions assigned to accountable individuals etc. How to run an effective meeting is another topic entirely :-)

Also:

* a moderator, a role that can be held by literally anyone. The goal of the moderator is to keep everyone to the agenda, manage time and handle Q&A.