Regardless of the purpose or size of any meeting that you’re managing, there are a few things that need to happen right away – like now. First, people have to feel comfortable and welcome and you need to make sure that happens. Second, people need to know why they’re there; don’t let them wonder why they came, be clear about why they’re there and do it right away. And third, tell them, up front, what’s going to happen and what to expect. Simple, but really important.