If a participant has a reason for attending and that reason is beneficial, they will be an active responsive participant rather than a resentful one. When given the purpose of the meeting and, if possible, the preliminary agenda, participants can begin to prepare for the meeting by thinking about or researching discussion items. Along with this information, also send the date, time, and place of the meeting just in case they've forgotten to write it down, lost their calendar, transposed a couple of numbers or any other of the numerous things that happen during a busy day. However you decide to do it, always follow up to confirm any information you have given them. Each of these steps takes relatively little time compared to the amount of time and frustration they can avoid.
Meetings can run smoothly and stay on track.
And if participants see you as a time-conscious, effective facilitator, they will actually look forward to the meeting.