Formally arranged gatherings (8)
I believe the answer is:
meetings
'formally arranged gatherings' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for meetings that I've seen before include "Encounters or gatherings" , "'Gatherings, usually scheduled (8)'" , "Formally arranged gatherings" , "Formal or informal gatherings" , "Business get-togethers" .)