What is the primary task a secretary must complete before a meeting?

Preparing an agenda is a crucial task for a secretary before a meeting. The agenda serves as a roadmap for the discussion, outlining the topics to be covered, the order in which they will be addressed, and the allocated time for each item. This structured approach not only helps participants stay on track but also ensures that all important matters are discussed and that time is used effectively.

While sending invitations is important for informing attendees about the meeting, and booking a conference room is necessary to secure a location for the meeting, these actions are secondary to having a clear agenda in place. Gathering reports is also valuable but comes after the agenda has been established to ensure that all necessary documents align with the topics outlined for discussion. Hence, preparing the agenda is foundational for a productive meeting.