Attending the International MLS Forum in Milan Oct. 7, 2024, were (from left): Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, UCO Vice President of Global Markets and Stellar MLS Vice President of Technology and Innovation; Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS: and Marion Weiler, UCO Vice President of Global Markets and Stellar MLS Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Stellar MLS has announced that its subsidiary, Universal Consulting Opportunities (UCO), recently joined leaders from around the globe in Italy for the second-annual International MLS Forum. Organized by the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and the European Association of Real Estate Professions (CEPI), and supported by UCO as its only title partner, the forum brought together thought leaders Oct. 7-8 at the Spazio Antologico event facility in Milan.
According to a release, the forum focused on a range of topics, from MLS culture and brokers’ views to the role of MLSs as service stores, distinctions between MLSs and portals, differentiations in business models worldwide, government regulations and licensing and emerging technologies. The UCO team played a major role in the event’s success and value to attendees by participating in and moderating panels, as well as hosting one of the two conference days with sessions on fostering innovation, transparency and efficiency, the release noted.
Dr. Mathew Kallumadil, UCO vice president of global markets and Stellar MLS vice president of technology and innovation, led a panel of MLS pioneers focusing on stakeholders and decision-makers in emerging markets, which offered insights for those on the verge of launching the MLS concept globally, according to the release.
“We’re excited to have stood alongside global leaders in advocating a forward-thinking approach to transforming the real estate industry,” said Merri Jo Cowen, CEO of UCO and Stellar MLS. “As a title partner of this year’s International MLS Forum, it was our honor to support worldwide collaboration to explore and enhance the MLS concept, promoting trust and transparency in the process.”
Stellar MLS noted that Cowen joined Sam DeBord, CEO, RESO; Guy Valkenborg, Director General, CEPI; Moath Maqbool, General Manager, ADRES, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Ramon Riera Torroba, World President, FIABCI; and John DiMichele, 2025 Chair, Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) and CEO, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board as keynote speakers, addressing more than 200 professionals from five continents and 51 countries.
“We are honored to be recognized and selected for this award. Leadership guides member care at Stellar MLS, and client care at UCO is at the foundation of who we are and what we do,” said Marion Weiler, vice president of Global Markets at UCO and vice president of Marketing and Communications at Stellar MLS. “I’m excited to see how the discussions in Milan will take shape and how UCO can support the needs of our global community to fuel progress in markets around the world, meeting them wherever they are in their MLS journey.”
At the forum’s conclusion, Stellar MLS, parent company of UCO, received the Leadership in Member Care award. According to the forum’s advisory board, the award “recognizes an organization who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, particularly during challenging times. By providing live, up-to-date information and educating members, the members remain informed and resilient. With the highest satisfaction rate based on member feedback, this organization excelled in maintaining strong communication and transparency. Additionally, prompt and efficient response to members’ queries showcased an unwavering commitment to supporting the community and addressing their needs swiftly and effectively.”
For information about Stellar/UCO visit stellarmls.com/global.
