Don't schedule a meeting until an agenda item or item(s) are submitted in advance. In most workplaces, most meetings waste far too much time, and many meetings should never have been called. Jim Collison, President, Employers of America, Inc.

Could I get a copy of that template?

Everyone knows before each meeting that all attendees will be called upon to give everyone an update of what she/he is working on and to share any special info./requests. That way, everyone participates in the meeting. (We just go around the table and each person takes their turn.) They are also prepared to share a WORK RELATED "word of the week" and define how it applies to our company. This has been beneficial to all employees. It's getting close to the end of the year. What are the company's goals for next year? How did your company's goals compare to your competitors? How can admins. better assist their boss as we get close to the end of the year and deadlines! It's a good time to have a lot on your agenda!

If you are the one calling the meetings, you already have an idea of what your departmental goals and objectives are. Incorporate all the ideas above: List your objectives and goals on an agenda, inform each attendee they will be called on to report what they and their people are doing to meet objectives and goals AND to share with the group any issues they can use help or advice with, and be prepared to voice your expectations for progress to report at the next meeting. When I go to a meeting I like to know the purpose, to know I have a chance to share my progress and challenges, and to know there will be follow up (accountability).
All great suggestions!....oh and if you don't have a topic or an agenda, I agree, skip the meeting for another time.

Could you start bysharing a tip you learned in Administrative Professional Today and then take ideas from each dept on how they might apply the new info? Schedule one department each following meeting to bring a tip to the table for discussion. But - I agree with earlier posts, if there's no reason to meet - don't.

You could try sending out a survey link to the group. The survey could both ask for specific suggestions and request a ranking of interest in topics you suggest. That way, you'll know how to direct meetings going forward. Perhaps people are hesitant to bring up controversial topics i person--but want them covered (Ex: stress management, conflict resolution). Or they may have interests you didn't know about (Ex: administrative or technical certifications)

You might ask everyone to bring one best practice idea to the meeting. We can all learn from each other and this is a great way to tap into good short cuts or efficiency ideas.