FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, has joined the Global Data Exchange (GDX), the strategic initiative for standardized, cross-border sharing of listing data that anchors this year’s 4th International MLS Forum (IMLSF). The forum takes place November 16-17, 2026, at Raffles Istanbul.
The move matters because it extends GDX’s reach beyond existing market participants to real estate businesses, associations and professionals across global markets. Cross-border property transactions have long been hampered by inconsistent data formats, fragmented access rules and varying levels of trust in listing information. By bringing a federation with worldwide membership into the exchange, the initiative gains a broader base of stakeholders who can help normalize how property information is structured and shared across jurisdictions.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the forum connects MLS leaders, regulators, real estate associations, brokerage executives, proptech companies and standards organizations. Their aim is to share the standards, technology and business practices that support more transparent, cooperative and efficient property marketplaces for the communities they serve. Attendees will take part in the conversations shaping how property information is shared, accessed and trusted across borders.
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.
Last year’s edition welcomed more than 200 industry professionals from 51 countries. Istanbul, which links Europe and Asia, offers convenient access for delegates from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. That geographic advantage could accelerate adoption of GDX standards in markets that are increasingly connected through migration, investment and second-home ownership.
“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,” said Merri Jo Cowen, Inaugural President of GDX. “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.”
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 implications extend beyond the two-day event. If GDX gains traction with FIABCI’s global network, property data could become more portable, allowing brokers, agents and consumers to compare listings across borders with greater confidence. That, in turn, could lower friction in international transactions and strengthen trust in organized real estate marketplaces.
