Presenting papers is propably the sum of it. Usually, at these meetings, important topics will warrant a panel discussion with audience participation.
From the links general_re has provided, it appears the Schopf group is meeting November 4th. They've scheduled presentations to noon and then have blocked the rest of the day off with just presenters noted.
I will be very disappointed if this is just drop-a-paper-and-run. Representatives from most disciplines would be there to hammer out some integrated approach - and the title of the session is "The Hunt for Precambrian Life: An Integrated Approach" Sigh...