On the eve of Creation Entertainment's Official "Real Deal" Star Trek Convention at the Las Vegas Hilton, home of "Star Trek: The Experience," there's going to a special party to kick things off. The event will be held tonight, August 1, from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. at "Star Trek: The Experience."

At the Opening Night Party, also being sponsored by TNN (where fans can watch Star Trek: The Next Generation), fans can enjoy music from Neil Norman & His Cosmic Orchestra starring Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager's Doctor), Jeff Rector and other celebrity guest vocalists.

The opening night party will also feature a costume contest, prize raffles, appetizers included from Quark's Bar & Restaurant, dancing and a free gift with each ticket purchased. Tickets for the event are $99, and space is limited, with reservations being taken at (702) 697-8750.

This convention also marks a first by happening in Las Vegas and in cyberspace simultaneously with the Vir-Con virtual convention (see story here). So even if you're not headed to Las Vegas, you can still go in a virtual sort of way.

This weekend's convention is packed with Star Trek stars and events, such as William Shatner ("James T. Kirk") presenting Leonard Nimoy ("Spock") with Creation's Lifetime Achievement Award, a Star Trek Stunt Show, auctions, celebrity panels and more. Of course, STARTREK.COM will be there to deliver comprehensive coverage, so check back over the days to come for convention reports on all the goings on.