Merri Jo Cowen, Chief Vision Officer at Stellar MLS and Executive Vice President at Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), will deliver a keynote titled “From Paris to Istanbul” at the International MLS Forum in Istanbul on November 16–17, 2026. Her message carries significant weight for international real estate leaders: markets can develop organized real estate marketplaces without simply importing the North American MLS model. Cowen’s perspective is shaped by more than 40 years in the MLS industry and participation in every edition of the forum since its inaugural gathering in Paris, making her a central figure in the global conversation about how listing systems evolve.
The implications of her keynote are practical and far-reaching. For consumers in markets without an organized listing system, the absence can mean fragmented property information, inconsistent prices, and uncertainty about whom to trust. Cowen illustrates the problem: “A buyer could see the same property at five different prices, listed by five different agents. How do they know who the best agent is to work with?” An MLS can provide a framework for shared listing information and professional cooperation, but the right structure depends on local laws, business practices, and market needs. Cowen cautions against treating the U.S. and Canadian approach as a universal template, stressing that “it’s not one size fits all.” Her argument that markets must start somewhere—rather than wait for a perfect model—could shift how international organizations approach MLS development.
Since the Paris forum, conversations have turned into agreements. At last year’s forum in Toronto, Stellar MLS was one of five organizations from the U.S., Canada, France, and the United Arab Emirates to sign the cross-border data share that launched the Global Data Exchange (GDX). Ahead of Istanbul, FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, has joined GDX. Cowen serves as GDX Board President through 2026, and she sees connectivity as a practical way for MLS organizations to broaden resources for members while retaining control over their participation. “I think it’s going to open a lot of doors for agents and brokers all across the globe to connect with potential buyers and sellers,” she says. For MLSs focused on their local market, she describes cross-border exchange as an achievable first step that does not require a huge investment but expands opportunities for agents.
UCO, a subsidiary of Stellar MLS, returns as Title Partner for the third consecutive year, having supported the forum since its inception. Cowen’s team works with international organizations exploring how to establish or strengthen organized real estate marketplaces, going beyond software selection to address rules, governance, data practices, and relationships needed for long-term cooperation. Her invitation to markets considering an MLS and to established organizations exploring international connections is straightforward: “Be curious.” Tickets are available now for the fourth edition of the forum, organized by RESO, ADRES, and RealtyFeed at Raffles Istanbul.
