Various experts and leading industrialists from the plantations industry will participate in the conference. Chairman of the tea, rubber, spices and coffee board would also be present and will make presentations on their respective areas.

An industrial exhibition will be organised by the association following the annual general meeting, which will be held on September 21 afternoon.

In the AGM, the present UPASI president, Jacob Thomas would hand over the charge to UPASI's Vice President, MH Ashriff who will then take over the reins of UPASI as its new President. Ashriff is also the executive director, Tata Tea Ltd.

Various technical sessions have also been organised by UPASI on tea, rubber, coffee and spices on September 20. Speakers in these sessions include senior officials from TataTea, Hindustan Lever Ltd, ITC Limited, Rubber Research Institute, AVT and Co, Jayshree Tea, Consolidated Coffee Ltd besides others.

Whereas, the AGM of UPASI held in September every year usually has good ministerial participation, however due to the ongoing elections, there aren't many government officials. Last year the conference was inaugurated by the union commerce secretary, PP Prabhu.

Earlier the conference was being inaugurated by the member, planning commission, SR Hashim, however due to last minute cancellations, it is now being inaugurated by the Principal Adviser, Agriculture, Planning Commission, DP Bagchi at Coonoor on September 21.