In our guild, Miz Pres raps the gavel to get attention. If talking continues she either looks at them (the teacher stare) or calls them by name. They get the message. We have a social time before the meeting to catch up on chit-chat, then the meeting, then whatever the program is, a lesson and then show and tell. Our retreats have been the best ever for catching up and taking classes or just free sew!