One of Qtego’s most important innovations wasn’t one the company expected to be as critical as it became. Launched in April 2020, Livestreaming Fundraising Events allowed nonprofits to persevere and grow despite Covid-19 shutdowns. Qtego’s Livestreaming Events innovation essentially replicated the guest experience of a live event as closely as possible without supporters leaving home. 

Liebovitz recalls how during the first few weeks of shutdowns, some Qtego customers embraced video to promote their auctions as much as they could. Some even made more money than past fundraisers because they didn’t have costs associated with hosting galas and elaborate in-person events.

By the end of April 2020, businesses had shut down, schools were closed, sporting events were canceled, and students were returning home from college campuses. 

Qtego wanted to do more to support their customers and consolidate the virtual fundraising experience. That’s when Qtego leaders suggested they put everything that was streaming in one place inside Qtego. The team responded with an emphatic “Yes!” 

April and May are some of the busiest seasons for nonprofit fundraising, so they had to work quickly. They rolled out Livestreaming Fundraising Events within a matter of weeks. 

“Livestreaming Fundraising Events was a lifesaver for a lot of nonprofits,” says Liebovitz. Customers created virtual events that felt exclusive so their supporters felt like they were part of something special. “It brought fundraising, celebrities, contests and education all into the Qtego platform during a time when it was really essential for a lot of these nonprofits to keep going.”  

Livestreaming Fundraising Events empowered clients to capitalize on the silver lining of virtual fundraisers. For example, celebrities who would have otherwise been on a stage somewhere were available. Jane Fonda, Will Ferrell, Oprah Winfrey, the Zach Brown Band and other big names took part in Qtego events. Concerts, trivia nights and full theater productions that took place on far-flung stages were all possible.

One of the most advantageous features of Livestreaming Fundraising Events was how the host could direct participants to learn about the mission, place a bid, watch a speaker, make a donation or another important step. Essentially, the Qtego technology allowed the host to control what the guest saw, thus leading them on the most enjoyable and successful path to maximize fundraising. Plus, guests could chat to drive engagement — all without renting a tux!

Pivoting from a full-scale ballroom gala to an online auction fundraiser presented a major learning curve, but people adapted quickly. “We could have thousands in one night watching Qtego events. In essence, the Qtego stream became the venue,”  Liebovitz says. Livestreaming Fundraising Events made it possible.