Las Vegas gets its fair share of conventions, but the official “Star Trek” convention held at Rio Las Vegas (Aug. 9-12, 2012) has to be one of the more entertaining and memorable.

Passionate (understatement of the year) sci-fi fans from around the world converge on Las Vegas to meet their favorite stars (Leonard Nimoy was a highlight of the 2011 gathering), acquire collectibles and schmooze with like-minded individuals, many sporting elaborate costumes from “Star Trek”-spawned films and TV shows.

It’s not that easy being green. Well, unless you’re her.

This year’s line-up of celebrity appearances includes a federation of “Star Trek” captains: William Shatner (perhaps you’ve heard of him), Avery Brooks (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Kate Mulgrew (“Star Trek: Voyager”) and Scott Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise”).

This, by the way, has awesome all over it.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk6R9HWptcM

Also scheduled are “Star Trek: The Next Generation” regulars Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn and Brent Spiner (hint: make sure you ask before taking his photo, long story).

The convention also features a slew of panel discussions covering everything from the history of the United Federation of Planets and “Trek Girls.” This blog loves it some “Star Trek” conventioning!

We don’t make up the news, we just drink it.

A stand-out moment from last year’s “Star Trek” convention was the breaking of a world record for “Most ‘Star Trek’ Costumes in One Place.” The puny previous record of 691 was soundly crushed in 2011 with a new record of 1,040. Attendees will attempt to break the convention’s own record again this year.

The precise moment at which last year’s record was broked. (Note: In the future, people won’t care as much about “proper word usage.”)

Catch our coverage from last year’s “Star Trek” convention, and see all the details about this year’s confab on the event’s official site.