Here's a quick riddle for you: If it's August and plenty of Star Trek you wish to see, then what is the both the coolest and hottest place to be?

The answer is: Creation's sixth annual Official Star Trek Convention at the Las Vegas Hilton, August 9 - 12. As if you didn't know!

This year features a bumper crop of 75 Star Trek celebrities appearing on stage throughout the four days, with show hours as follows: Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Except Saturday, which opens at 9 a.m.)

With recent news of the next Star Trek film, to be directed by J.J. Abrams and slated to open on Christmas Day 2008, this is certain to be the hottest topic of an already scorching weekend. Are you prepared to ask either William Shatner or Leonard Nimoy (who, by the way, will be returning in the iconic role of Mr. Spock) their thoughts on the new film? The pair take to the stage in a joint appearance on Sunday, August 12. We've said it before, if you haven't seen these two on stage together you are in for a real treat!

Speaking of Captains, the convention stage will also be graced by two other commanders: Star Trek: Voyager's Kate Mulgrew (Captain Janeway) and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Avery Brooks (Captain Sisko), both on Saturday, August 11.

Last year was the 40th anniversary of the Original Series and this year celebrates the 20th anniversary of the great Star Trek: The Next Generation, so it's only fitting the guest list reflects this fact. Joining in the celebration will be Jonathan Frakes (Will Riker), Brent Spiner (Data), Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher), Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher), LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge) and Dwight Schultz (Reginald "Reg” Barclay).

As ever, there are numerous other guests, including DS9's Nana Visitor (Kira Nerys), Louise Fletcher (Kai Winn) and Nicole deBoer (Ezri Dax). Also in Vegas, and representing the team from Enterprise, will be Dominic Keating (Malcolm Reed) and Connor Trinneer ("Trip” Tucker).

The originals are still great fun! From Star Trek, look forward to seeing favorites George Takei (Hikaru Sulu), Walter Koenig (Pavel Chekov) and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura). Surprisingly, making his first Las Vegas Convention appearance is noted screenwriter/director Nicholas Meyer ("Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan," and "Star Trek VI: Undiscovered Country").

If you think it's all about celebrity appearances, guess again. In the auditorium, expect to see behind-the-scenes presentations, costume and trivia contests, no minimum bid auctions of unique collectibles and one-of-a-kind items, and special salute videos and previews of upcoming sci-fi television shows, motion pictures, and the latest news on the next Star Trek feature film.

If you are music fan, be sure to check out the return of Star Trek: The Concert, featuring over 45 distinguished members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, under the musical direction of Richard McGee. The concert takes place Saturday, August 11, at 8:00 p.m. (Separate admission required.)

Once again, the Creation autograph section will give attendees the opportunity to meet and obtain autographs for a nominal fee from over 20 notable Trek and genre guests. And for those just looking to browse, the exhibit hall will feature plenty of dealer space with all kinds of sci-fi collectibles on hand.

On a final note, you may want to check out the premiere of an all-new Star Trek-themed animated feature film, "Borg War," on Friday night at 6:20 p.m. Presented by amateur filmmaker Geoffrey James, the film has been created with a technique called Machinima, which reprograms computer games to generate raw footage. The resulting footage was then heavily edited to create the finished film.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

General admission tickets are available in advance for $35 through all Ticketmaster outlets, and at the door, also for $35. General admission tickets for children 12 and under are $20. Children six and under are admitted free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. General admission tickets for the Saturday evening concert are $30. For other events and more information, call Creation Entertainment, (818) 409-0960, or visit the Creation website.