Toronto will take centre stage in the real estate industry this fall as two major events arrive in the city back-to-back. The Council of Multiple Listing Services (CMLS) Open House 2025 and the International MLS Forum will bring together leaders, innovators, and global stakeholders for five days of collaboration, strategy, and forward-looking dialogue on the future of MLS and real estate data. Both gatherings will take place at The Westin Harbour Castle Hotel in Toronto, Ontario from September 23 to 26, 2025.
CMLS Open House: September 23 – 25, 2025
The CMLS Open House, formerly known as the CMLS Annual Conference, is recognized as the premier event for MLS executives and professionals across North America. This year, the event will run from September 23 to 25, offering a full schedule of sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
CMLS represents the largest and most influential network of MLS leaders in the United States and Canada, and the annual conference is designed to equip industry decision-makers with the insights and tools needed to guide their organizations through change. Attendees can expect discussions on governance, operational excellence, technological adoption, and the evolving role of the MLS in an increasingly digital market.
The agenda typically features keynote speakers from both within and outside the industry, breakout sessions tailored to MLS operations, and panels highlighting best practices from across the continent. A strong emphasis is placed on fostering innovation while maintaining the trust and transparency that consumers and REALTORS® rely on from MLS organizations. Speaking at the CMLS Open House Conference are Janice Myers, CEO CREA, John DiMichele, CEO TRREB, Brad Mitchell, CEO AREA, and Lynette Keyowski, Managing Partner Reach Canada.
For Canadian professionals, the Toronto venue provides a unique opportunity to engage with U.S. leaders, strengthening cross-border collaboration on shared challenges such as data standards, interoperability, and consumer expectations.
International MLS Forum: September 25 – 26, 2025
Immediately following the CMLS Open House, the International MLS Forum will begin on September 25 and run through September 26. This forum is organized in partnership with global organizations including the Real Estate Standards Organization (RESO) and CEPI, the European Association of Real Estate Professions. We are excited to hear from several speakers and panelists including Canadians – Nadia Habib, Director eXp Realty Canada, John DiMichele, CEO TRREB, Patrick Pichette, Interim CEO REALTOR.CA and Don Inouye, CEO REIC and Janice Myers, CEO CREA to name a few.
The International MLS Forum is a relatively new initiative, but one that has quickly gained importance as the real estate industry becomes increasingly globalized. Its mission is to create a platform where leaders from around the world can collaborate on the development of consistent data standards, interoperable technology systems, and frameworks for international cooperation.
By hosting the Forum in Toronto, organizers aim to bring Canadian and North American voices into the global conversation. The event will address topics such as the adoption of international property data standards, cross-border transaction facilitation, and the role of MLS systems in delivering consumer trust and professional efficiency.
Participants can expect to hear from international experts, standard-setting organizations, and technology innovators. The sessions will explore how MLS systems worldwide can align to support more seamless transactions, improve data quality, and ensure the industry is prepared for future demands from both professionals and consumers.
A Week of Collaboration and Innovation
With the CMLS Open House and the International MLS Forum scheduled back-to-back, Toronto will effectively host one of the most important weeks on the real estate calendar. The overlap on September 25 is expected to create a natural bridge between the two gatherings, giving attendees from both events an opportunity to connect and exchange perspectives.
For MLS executives, brokers, technology providers, and policy leaders, this week represents a chance to gain insights from both a North American and international lens. Topics ranging from governance structures and operational practices to global data standards and technology adoption will be explored in depth.
Why Toronto?
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and a major hub for real estate activity, making it an ideal host for these discussions. With a diverse real estate market, strong regulatory framework, and vibrant urban growth, the city provides both a backdrop and a case study for many of the themes that will be addressed throughout the week.
The Westin Harbour Castle, located on Toronto’s waterfront, offers a central location for attendees to convene while also providing easy access to the city’s downtown business and entertainment districts.
Looking Ahead
As the real estate industry continues to evolve, the role of the MLS is under heightened focus. Questions of governance, technology, data, and consumer trust are driving conversations not only in North America but around the world. By bringing CMLS and the International MLS Forum together in Toronto, organizers are sending a clear message, collaboration and innovation are essential to shaping the future of real estate.
For industry professionals, attending these events provides an opportunity to stay ahead of change, contribute to meaningful dialogue, and build networks that extend across borders. Whether the focus is local operational excellence or global data interoperability, the conversations happening in Toronto this September will help set the stage for the future of MLS.
To learn more, visit CMLS OPEN HOUSE EVENT
To learn more, visit MLS FORUM
