Renee, The make up of a meeting is important to the outcomes of a meeting. People who need to know the information should be present. I have chaired many boards over the years an d have found as the leader set ground rules for discussions. They need to be on topic and succinct. In formal meetings I use Robert's Rules of Order. Informal meetings I conduct with rules of conduct for everyone. I make it clear this for each person to express themselves but with information towards the topic. You will find in the interest of time you will have shorter and more productive meetings. Try it, let me know how it goes.