Following selection of the mediator, the mediator shall set an initial mediation conference within thirty (30) days. The mediation conference shall be held in the county in which the case is pending or at a site agreed upon by the parties. The mediator may meet with the parties or their counsel prior to the mediation conference for the purpose of establishing a procedure for the mediation conference. The mediator may require the parties to submit a confidential statement of the case or other materials that the mediator may reasonably believe appropriate for efficiently conducting the mediation conference.