1. Seminars

An informal discussion method, assisted by a trained facilitator, designed to orient participants to new plans, policies or procedures, without being constrained by performance evaluation. It can be used by early intervention organizations when plans and programs are under review or development, for example to review and update a procedure that proved difficult to implement during a recent crisis.

2. Workshop

Similar to workshops, they differ in the increased interaction between participants and the focus on achieving or building a product such as new standard operating procedures, emergency operational plans, multi-year plans or improvement plans. Workshops are often used when developing exercises to write performance objectives and scenarios.

3. Tabletop exercise

It involves key personnel discussing simulated scenarios in an informal setting. It is used as a tool to strengthen expertise and support or to review plans, policies and procedures and evaluate the processes and systems needed to manage risk and respond to crisis situations. The problems arising from the simulated events are discussed by the participants, who make decisions through problem solving. Simulations can be timed to require rapid or untimed decisions, allowing for in-depth discussion and development of solutions. Untimed tabletop drills are commonly used first and timed ones second.

4. Discussion-based games

A simulation of operations often involving two or more teams in a competitive environment, using rules, data and procedures designed to represent a real or presumed situation. Games and simulations are often discussion-based. Games are also called "virtual exercises" and use technology to engage participants and create stress by simulating behavioral conditions.