Crisis Management Simulation Execise
The crisis management simulation aims to practice decisive leadership, effective communication, and rapid problem-solving skills. People will experience the unpredictability and pressure of managing a large event during a crisis.
People will be divided into groups, assuming roles in a scenario where they must manage a crisis at a large event, such as a sudden weather event, a keynote speaker cancellation or a power outage. The objective is for each team to quickly devise and execute a response plan that covers stakeholder communication, contingency planning and resource reallocation.
Prepare crisis scenario cards in advance, each describing a different crisis situation that could realistically occur during a large event (we give some examples below). Create role cards for various positions within an event management team, such as Event Coordinator, Communication Officer, Logistics Manager, etc.
Arrange the classroom into small groups of 4 people. Within each group, distribute the role cards so that each people assumes a specific position within the event management team.
Hand out a Crisis Scenario Card to each group. Each group should receive a different scenario to ensure a variety of learning experiences.
Explain the objectives and expected outcomes of the scenario to each group. Clarify any questions regarding the roles or the crisis situation outlined on their scenario card.
Provide each group with materials needed to create their response plan, such as flip charts, markers, and sticky notes. These materials will help them brainstorm, plan and present their solutions.
Allocate 30 minutes for the exercise. Bring everyone back together and ask each group to briefly present their scenario to the entire group.
Encourage everyone to discuss each group’s approach after they present them.
Example of scenario cards for the exercise
These scenario cards are designed to challenge people and help them train in crisis management.
- Sudden Weather Event: A severe storm warning is issued an hour before the outdoor event starts, threatening safety and the event’s continuation. You must decide on immediate actions to protect attendees and whether to relocate, postpone or cancel the event.
- Keynote Speaker Cancellation: The keynote speaker for the conference cancels last minute due to a medical emergency. You need to quickly find a replacement speaker, adjust the event schedule and communicate changes to attendees without causing panic or dissatisfaction.
- Power Outage: A sudden power outage occurs at the venue during the event, affecting lighting, heating, and audio-visual equipment. You must manage the situation to ensure safety, keep attendees informed, and find alternative solutions to continue the event smoothly.
- Technology Failure: The online registration and check-in system crashes on the morning of the event, causing delays and confusion. You must quickly implement a manual process, manage attendee frustrations, and troubleshoot the system issues.
Moment of Reflection
After the exercise, lead a discussion to reflect on the experience and lessons learned.
- How did you prioritise your initial actions in response to the crisis?
- In what ways did effective communication play a role in your team’s response?
- How did you adapt your plan to accommodate the unexpected elements of the scenario?
- Reflect on the leadership observed during the exercise. What styles were most effective and why?
- How could the response plan have been improved with more time or resources?
- What lessons can you take from this simulation?
The topics of this publication: teamwork, interactions, collaboration, cooperation, adaptability skills, strategy, leadership, role playing, planning, adaptation, lateral thinking, creativity
