Template Files and Panels add/edit forms

I'm using Panels extensively and I'm trying to override the add/edit form of a content type. I themed the content types edit form by registering the template file in template.php and then creating the a template file called node-meeting-edit.tpl.php. When I used panels to override the add/edit form and added the general form pane, the form went back to its original display. If I disable the form, everything works fine. Is there a way to get panels to use the template file for the forms? I have a feeling i may have to go the route of using the Forms API. If so can anyone point me in the right direction to creating that form which includes cck fields. Thanks

John