On ManagingResolutons.org I offer insights on this topic from the post July 7, 2015. I have used the technique of asking the parties to help me draft an agenda on a topic related to the issue at hand during mediations. I might ask the parties that if a meeting was to be held on the topic, what might it look like, who would need to be there, what are the goals of the meeting etc. This has worked well with me be a mediator that is neutral to the issue, and generally allows the parties in conflict with one another to begin talking with each other when conversation was hard for both parties.
Similarly, when simply planning a meeting a host of questions should be asked as demonstrated on the post. Bringing key participants into the agenda preparation further enhances ownership and participation by participants. By consciously exploring all of the issues associated with planning a meeting and taking appropriate actions, the likelihood of success is greatly enhanced.