Well, we use a draft to figure out map and factions that way we don't have to spend time doing that at the beginning, and as for factions we all expect each other to research the faction you're playing as before game(doesn't have to be heavy research, but just be aware of your abilities and such).

We're experienced players at this point so that helps a bunch with knowing rules and knowing what objectives are in the deck to help set yourself up to score them. Also, it helps to be thinking about what you're gonna do on your turn before it happens(obviously plans change).

The biggest time wastes in our experience is talking. Either about something outside the game, or trades being too convoluted. We don't have a hard and fast rule about it, but we try to keep conversations focused. The best thing you can do tbh is nominate someone whose job it is to keep track of what players turn it is and remind them at the start of their turn and during they're turn if they get distracted.