FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, has joined the Global Data Exchange (GDX), a strategic initiative designed to standardize and streamline the cross-border sharing of property listing data. The announcement comes as the 4th International MLS Forum (IMLSF) prepares to convene on November 16-17, 2026, at Raffles Istanbul. FIABCI's participation significantly expands GDX's reach, bringing real estate businesses, associations, and professionals from global markets into a framework that aims to make property information more transparent, cooperative, and efficient across borders.
The forum, now in its fourth consecutive year, serves as a central meeting point for MLS leaders, regulators, real estate associations, brokerage executives, proptech companies, and standards organizations. Together, they will explore the standards, technology, and business practices that underpin modern property marketplaces. Attendees will engage in conversations that shape how property information is shared, accessed, and trusted internationally. The event is organized by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO), Advanced Real Estate Services (ADRES), and RealtyFeed. Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO) is the Title Partner, and TÜGEM Türkiye, a national real estate organization with more than 2,000 members, serves as local host.
The implications of FIABCI's move are substantial. By joining GDX, FIABCI extends the initiative's scope beyond individual markets to a truly global network, potentially accelerating the adoption of common data standards that reduce friction in cross-border transactions. For an industry that has long struggled with fragmented data and inconsistent practices, this alignment could lower barriers for international investment, improve market transparency, and foster greater trust among consumers and professionals alike. The forum's focus on cross-border data sharing reflects a growing recognition that property markets no longer operate in isolation.
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. Their presence underscores the high-level commitment to advancing this agenda. "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."
Last year's edition drew more than 200 industry professionals from 51 countries, and Istanbul's strategic location linking Europe and Asia offers convenient access for delegates from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. 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. As the global real estate industry continues to digitize, the 4th International MLS Forum and FIABCI's GDX membership mark a pivotal step toward a more connected and standardized property data ecosystem.
