Not all business meetings serve the same purpose. Some are for sharing updates, others for making decisions, solving problems, or brainstorming new ideas. Knowing the different types of business meetings helps teams stay focused, understand agendas, save time, and, most importantly, get better results. This blog will list the most common types and when to use each.
What Is a Business Meeting?
A business meeting is a planned conversation between two or more people in a company where they come together to talk about work-related topics. These meetings can be held in person or virtually and are meant to help teams stay on the same page, make decisions, solve problems, or plan next steps. Whether it’s a quick check-in or a big strategy being discussed, business meetings help keep everyone on the right track and move projects forward successfully.
Types of Business Meetings
Business meetings come in many forms, each serving a unique purpose depending on the situation and the people involved. Choosing the right type will help your teams use their time more efficiently and communicate better.
Formal Meetings
Formal meetings are structured and follow a set agenda. They are usually scheduled in advance, include official documentation (like minutes), and often involve decision-making at higher levels of the organization. These meetings are essential for accountability, strategic planning, and reporting.
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Shareholders’ Meeting
Purpose
To review company performance, share future plans, and get shareholder approval on major decisions. It ensures transparency between company leadership and its investors.Approximate Duration
1–2 hoursUseful For
Shareholders, executives, and board members -
Board of Directors Meeting
Purpose
To oversee the company’s long-term goals, ensure strong governance, and make high-level decisions on policies, budgets, and leadership roles.Approximate Duration
2–4 hoursUseful For
Board members and senior executives -
Committee Meeting
Purpose
To focus on specialized areas such as audits, compensation, or governance, and offer detailed oversight and recommendations to the board.Approximate Duration
1–2 hoursUseful For
Committee members and relevant stakeholders -
Strategy/Management Meeting
Purpose
To set or review the company’s strategy for a specific period. These meetings help define long-term goals, align departmental efforts, and ensure everyone is working toward the same vision.Approximate Duration
2–3 hoursUseful For
Executives and department heads
Informal Meetings
Informal meetings are casual, less-structured conversations that help teams stay connected and productive without the pressure of a formal agenda. These meetings are great for quick check-ins, spontaneous brainstorming, or resolving issues as they come up. They promote open communication and faster decision-making.
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Brainstorming Meeting
Purpose
The goal is to generate new ideas and explore different solutions as a group.Approximate Duration
1 to 2 hours.Useful For
Creative teams and groups from different departments working together. -
Virtual Meetings
Purpose
To facilitate communication among remote participants.Approximate Duration
30 to 60 minutes.Useful For
Remote teams and distributed organizations.
Make your virtual meetings more engaging and effective with Interactico.
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Stand-Up Meetings
Purpose
To provide quick updates and identify immediate issues.Approximate Duration
15 minutes.Useful For
Agile teams and daily check-ins. -
Status Update Meetings
Purpose
To share progress reports and align on current tasks.Approximate Duration
30 to 60 minutes.Useful For
Teams and department heads. -
One-on-One Meetings
Purpose
To provide personalized feedback and discuss individual goals.Approximate Duration
30 to 60 minutes.Useful For
Managers and their direct reports.
Specific Project-Driven Meetings
Specific project-driven meetings are organized with a clear and focused goal in mind. Unlike routine or general meetings, these gatherings concentrate on particular tasks, challenges, or decisions to move a project forward efficiently.
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Project/Planning Meetings
Purpose
To review project progress, discuss milestones, address challenges, and ensure the team stays on track. The agenda guides the team to clear next steps.Approximate Duration
1 to 2 hours.Useful For
Project teams, stakeholders, and planning groups. -
Decision-Making Meetings
Purpose
To evaluate different options and make well-informed decisions on key issues.Approximate Duration
30 to 60 minutes.Useful For
Teams and project managers. -
Team Building Meetings
Purpose
To strengthen relationships within the team and improve overall collaboration.Approximate Duration
1 to 2 hours.Useful For
All team members. -
Problem-Solving Meetings
Purpose
To identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and develop actionable plans.Approximate Duration
1 to 2 hours.Useful For
Cross-functional teams. -
Innovation/Creative Meetings
Purpose
To foster new ideas, build professional connections, and explore fresh opportunities.Approximate Duration
1 to 2 hours.Useful For
Professionals from various industries.
What are the 6Ps of Meetings?
The 6Ps of Meetings provide a simple framework to plan effective meetings:
- Purpose: Define why the meeting is being held.
- Participants: Invite only the people who need to be there.
- Priority: Clarify the importance and urgency of the meeting.
- Process: Set the agenda and structure.
- Preparation: Ensure everyone comes ready with what’s needed.
- Progress: Track action items and follow-ups.
Place is sometimes added as a 7th “P”, deciding whether the meeting will be in person or virtually.
Business meetings are essential to keeping your team aligned, productive, and moving in the right direction. Whether it’s a quick daily stand-up or a detailed boardroom discussion, every type of meeting has a purpose. Choosing the right meeting format and planning it well ensures that time is used wisely, decisions are clear, and everyone stays on the same page. With the right approach, meetings can turn into powerful tools for growth and collaboration.