diff --git a/MeetBot/plugin.py b/MeetBot/plugin.py
index e7a621a..633b80c 100644
--- a/MeetBot/plugin.py
+++ b/MeetBot/plugin.py
@@ -94,6 +94,10 @@ class MeetBot(callbacks.Plugin):
             if M is not None:
                 irc.error("Can't start another meeting, one is in progress.")
                 return
+            name = payload[13:].strip()
+            if not name:
+                irc.error("A meeting name is required, e.g., '#startmeeting Marketing Committee'")
+                return
             # This callback is used to send data to the channel:
             def _setTopic(x):
                 irc.sendMsg(ircmsgs.topic(channel, x))
diff --git a/ircmeeting/meeting.py b/ircmeeting/meeting.py
index b717f4f..9514749 100644
--- a/ircmeeting/meeting.py
+++ b/ircmeeting/meeting.py
@@ -314,7 +314,7 @@ class MeetingCommands(object):
         for messageline in message.split('\n'):
             self.reply(messageline)
         if line.strip():
-            self.do_meetingtopic(nick=nick, line=line, time_=time_, **kwargs)
+            self.do_meetingname(nick=nick, line=line, time_=time_, **kwargs)
     def do_endmeeting(self, nick, time_, **kwargs):
         """End the meeting."""
         if not self.isChair(nick): return