I am working with a team which does not have much experience with agile. It's a relatively new project and we do follow below technique for task assignment. We have a common product owner from client side (same product owner for 4 teams), so he is not present in any of the meetings except if there is any major release is on the way or if there is any escalations. Usually BA only takes care about creating user stories and there is manager from client side who participates in all meetings on behalf of product owner.
1. Sprint planning happens in the evening.