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 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, according to the announcement.
The significance of FIABCI’s move lies in its potential to accelerate the adoption of common data standards across borders. For an industry long fragmented by differing national rules and proprietary systems, the addition of a global federation to GDX could help unlock more transparent and efficient property marketplaces. That matters to brokers, agents, proptech firms and consumers who increasingly expect listing information to flow seamlessly across markets.
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the forum connects MLS leaders, regulators, real estate associations, brokerage executives, proptech companies and standards organizations 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. “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 conference itself. As GDX gains participants like FIABCI, the initiative could become a de facto framework for cross-border listing data, influencing how multiple listing services, regulators and technology vendors design their systems. For real estate professionals, that could mean lower friction when referring clients internationally, while consumers may benefit from more consistent and reliable property information. The forum’s outcomes will be closely watched by an industry that is steadily globalizing.
