Funny story. I once worked at a company where I got along very well with my boss so I'd regularly get some gossip about the higher ups. One time my boss had a meeting (or rather multiple meeting) with the higher ups to go over the quarterly goals for the department. They had created the goals, had a presentation and all they needed was for the higher ups to give the okay to continue. Fairly simple thing, except every meeting was completely derailed by the CEO and his incessant need to discuss fishing. And because the higher ups were all buddies they all started discussing fishing and boating etc. After 4 failed meeting to get a simple Yes my boss sent everything in email and got a near instant confirmation to go ahead.

Sometimes the meeting has to be an email.