The International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) has joined the Global Data Exchange (GDX), the strategic initiative for standardized, cross-border sharing of listing data, ahead of the 4th International MLS Forum (IMLSF). The forum will take place November 16-17, 2026, at Raffles Istanbul. FIABCI's participation extends GDX's reach to real estate businesses, associations, and professionals across global markets, marking a significant expansion of the initiative's scope.
The Global Data Exchange aims to create a common framework for how property listings are structured, shared, and trusted across borders. By bringing FIABCI into the fold, GDX gains access to a vast international network, which could accelerate the adoption of universal data standards. This matters because inconsistent data practices have long hampered cross-border real estate transactions, leading to inefficiencies, higher costs, and reduced transparency. A unified approach could streamline property searches for consumers, reduce friction for brokerages, and enable more accurate market analysis on a global scale.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the International MLS Forum connects MLS leaders, regulators, real estate associations, brokerage executives, proptech companies, and standards organizations. The event focuses on sharing the standards, technology, and business practices that support more transparent, cooperative, and efficient property marketplaces. Attendees will engage in conversations shaping how property information is shared, accessed, and trusted across borders. Last year's edition welcomed more than 200 industry professionals from 51 countries, underscoring the forum's growing influence.
The forum is organized by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), Advanced Real Estate Services (ADRES), and RealtyFeed. Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) serves as Title Partner, and TÜGEM Türkiye, a national real estate organization with more than 2,000 members, serves as local host. Confirmed speakers include Lily Chang, World President of FIABCI; Merri Jo Cowen, Inaugural President of GDX, Executive Vice President of UCO, and Chief Vision Officer of Stellar MLS; Sam DeBord, CEO of RESO; and Jeremy Crawford, President and CEO of First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS), among others.
Istanbul's unique position linking Europe and Asia offers convenient access for delegates from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. This geographic advantage, combined with the forum's focus on cross-border data exchange, highlights the event's role in fostering international collaboration. As real estate markets become increasingly interconnected, the need for standardized data protocols grows more urgent. The GDX initiative, bolstered by FIABCI's membership, could serve as a catalyst for global adoption of such standards.
Merri Jo Cowen, Inaugural President of GDX, expressed enthusiasm about the event: "We're delighted to reconvene some of the industry's leading experts from across the real estate marketplace, at the intersection of technology, real estate data, governmental bodies and more. We have some great speakers, and I look forward to paving the way for the future of real estate data with such a dynamic and empowered group of professionals." Her comments reflect the collaborative spirit driving the forum and the GDX initiative.
Special hotel rates at Raffles Istanbul are available for registered attendees, with booking details provided in the registration confirmation email. Registration is open at mlsforum.org. The forum's previous editions were held in Paris (2023), Milan (2024), and Toronto (2025), and it has brought together participants from more than 50 countries. As the real estate industry continues to globalize, events like the International MLS Forum and initiatives like GDX will play a critical role in shaping the future of property data exchange.
