Crisis Communications SIG: Rethinking the Golden Hour

In this first Crisis Comms SIG virtual session, we’ll explore how the concept of the golden hour applies across different crisis scenarios and organizational contexts — recognizing that response timelines are rarely one-size-fits-all. From real-time incidents in public safety, aviation, and disaster response, to fast-moving global corporate crises, to slow-burning reputational or regulatory issues, we’ll look at how timing pressures evolve throughout the crisis cycle: immediate response, intermediate decisions, extended management, and post-crisis recovery. The discussion will focus on how communicators can work with leadership and cross-functional teams to balance speed, risk, and longer-term considerations.

Discussion questions:

• How do organizations define and approach the “golden hour”?
• Where are the greatest timing pressures felt?
• What strategies help teams stay ahead of these pressures?
• What lessons have we learned from getting timing right – or wrong?

We hope you can join us as we continue to build this community together.