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Timeline Events

Timeline events are the dynamic elements that make simulations realistic - breaking news, incoming messages, and situation updates that unfold over time.

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What Are Timeline Events?

Events are scripted occurrences that:

Provide Information

News updates, reports, data

Create Pressure

Escalations, complications, deadlines

Trigger Decisions

Force choices and actions

Simulate Reality

Mirror how real crises unfold

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Event Types

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News Updates

Breaking news and media reports: Characteristics:
  • External perspective
  • Public information
  • May not be fully accurate
  • Indicates public perception
Example: “Local news reports smoke visible from neighboring buildings. Social media shows videos of evacuation. #OfficeFire trending.” How to Use:
  • Understand public awareness
  • Assess reputational impact
  • Plan communications strategy
  • Identify misinformation to correct

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Incoming Messages

Communications from stakeholders:
  • From employees, customers, partners
  • Formal tone
  • May include attachments
  • Require responses

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Status Updates

Changes in the situation: Types:
  • Escalations: Situation worsens
  • Improvements: Positive developments
  • New Information: Previously unknown facts revealed
  • Resource Changes: Assets become available/unavailable
Example: “UPDATE: Fire department reports flames spreading to 4th floor. Estimated time to contain: 45 minutes.”

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Media Clips

Video or audio content:
  • News broadcasts
  • Eyewitness videos
  • Press conferences
  • Social media clips
Include:
  • Embedded player
  • Transcript (for accessibility)
  • Source information
  • Timestamp

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Reading Events Effectively

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Information Extraction

For each event:
1

Identify Type

News, message, status update, or media?
2

Note Source

Who is providing this information?
3

Extract Key Facts

What are the critical details?
4

Assess Credibility

How reliable is this source?
5

Determine Implications

How does this affect the situation?
6

Identify Actions Needed

What should you do in response?

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Critical vs. Non-Critical

Not all events are equally important: Critical Events:
Safety threats
Regulatory requirements
Irreversible consequences
High-impact stakeholders
Time-sensitive matters
 Informational Events:
  • Background context
  • Minor developments
  • Confirmations of known info
  • Peripheral stakeholder concerns
Tip: Focus attention where it matters most. Don’t get distracted by noise.

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Responding to Events

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When Events Require Action

Some events explicitly request a response: “Email from CEO: Need your recommendation on whether to close all facilities by EOD.” Response Required:
  1. Acknowledge receipt (if real-time)
  2. Gather needed information
  3. Formulate recommendation
  4. Communicate decision/recommendation
  5. Implement action

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When Events Provide Context

Other events inform without requiring immediate action: “News: Weather forecast predicts storm will pass in 3 hours.” Use For:
  • Planning decisions
  • Timing actions
  • Setting expectations
  • Understanding constraints

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Event Timing

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Understanding Triggers

Events appear based on:
Fixed Schedule
  • 5 minutes into simulation
  • 15 minutes from start
  • 30 minutes elapsed
Predictable, allows planning

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Pacing

Event frequency varies by simulation phase:
  • Opening: Slower, establish situation
  • Escalation: Faster, create pressure
  • Peak: Rapid-fire, high intensity
  • Resolution: Slowing, winding down

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Managing Information Overload

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When Events Come Fast

Strategies:
Quickly categorize: Urgent, Important, Informational. Address urgent first.
Assign team members to monitor different event types or stakeholders.
Jot down key points from events so you can reference later.
Scroll back to review events you missed or want to revisit.
Some events are atmosphere; others drive decisions. Know which is which.

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Staying Organized

Create Structure: Physical Notes: 
CRITICAL INFO:
- Casualties: 3 confirmed
- Resources: Fire dept ETA 10min
- Stakeholders: Employees evacuated, customers notified

TO DO:
- Decide on facility closure
- Draft public statement
- Contact insurance

QUESTIONS:
- Structural damage extent?
- When can operations resume?

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Event-Driven Learning

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What Events Teach

Different event types develop different skills: News Events → Media Relations, Reputation Management Stakeholder Messages → Communication, Empathy Status Updates → Situation Assessment, Adaptation Resource Changes → Flexibility, Contingency Planning

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Connecting Events to Decisions

After a decision, watch for:
  • Events showing consequences
  • Stakeholder reactions
  • Situation evolution
  • New information that validates/contradicts your choice
This feedback loop is where learning happens.

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Next Steps

Documents & Resources

Access supporting materials

Making Decisions

Apply event information to decisions