REALTORS® heard how three forward-thinking businesses are using cutting-edge technology to meet the international real estate needs of consumers at Illinois REALTORS® hybrid Global Forum Thursday. 

“The Future of Global Real Estate – Work from Anywhere, Live Anywhere!” originated from the NAR Building in downtown Chicago, but REALTOR® members from across the state participated virtually. Upflex Director of Finance Elena Samokhina and Trove Founder-CEO Jorge Aguilar joined moderator and Global Forum Chair Andy Velkme in studio, while Virbela Chief Customer Officer Craig Kaplan presented from a remote location. 

Upflex helps businesses find on-demand workspaces, such as desks, private offices and meeting rooms through its app or its web portal. Upflex offers its services in 1,600 cities and nearly 6,000 locations, says Samokhina. 

Trove specializes in luxury vacation rentals, using main residences and second homes in urban, suburban and resort locations, says Aguilar. In addition, Trove offers medium-term property rentals or co-living arrangements.   

Virbela uses its platform to create virtual business campuses with employee avatars, says Kaplan, who noted that eXp used Virbela to recruit and hire employees, host learning events, conduct town hall meetings and design virtual offices. During this period, eXp grew from 1,000 agents to more than 80,000 internationally. Kaplan and Velkme demonstrated how Virbela’s platform works. 

Virbela’s Craig Kaplan (left) takes Global Forum Chair Andy Velkme on a virtual tour during Thursday’s Illinois REALTORS Global Forum.