September 27, 2006 -- PAWTUCKET, R.I. -- Thousands of TRANSFORMERS fans arriving this weekend in Lexington, Kentucky for the official convention of the TRANSFORMERS Collectors Club can meet the "voice" of OPTIMUS PRIME, trade action figures at more than 200 tables of TRANSFORMERS collectibles, and many will be welcomed by a 40-member college marching band playing the famed TRANSFORMERS theme song. And to top it off, they may also enter to win the opportunity to 'become' a TRANSFORMERS action figure!

Each year, TRANSFORMERS fans converge from all across the nation at a convention that celebrates the globally popular franchise that is 'MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE.' This year's event -- held at the Lexington Convention Center from Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 -- will be more exciting than ever as fans anticipate the launch of next summer's live-action TRANSFORMERS movie from DreamWorks and Paramount.

The University of Kentucky marching band will help kick off the convention by playing the iconic TRANSFORMERS theme song when the doors open at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29 for a special preview for registered convention-goers. Pre-registered guests will also be invited to a special midnight screening on Friday night of the soon-to-be-released 20th anniversary edition DVD of the TRANSFORMERS animated movie. BotCon will then open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, with many activities that will appeal to the entire family, including drawing classes with TRANSFORMERS designers and panel discussions with Hasbro toy designers.

Peter Cullen, the voice of OPTIMUS PRIME, who is also in next year's anticipated blockbuster feature film, will be present on Saturday to sign autographs, meet fans and talk about his experiences as the leader of the AUTOBOTS. Additionally, BotCon will also provide an opportunity for fans to meet the actors behind the character voices of the animated series. Slated to attend are the actors who voiced TIGATRON, RHINOX, RATTRAP, WASPINATOR and AIR RAZOR from the BEAST WARS animated series, which is commemorating its 10th anniversary this year.

"Whether you are a life-long fan who grew up with the TRANSFORMERS animated series or are just discovering the world of 'ROBOTS IN DISGUISE', there's something at BotCon for you," said Brian Savage, Director of the TRANSFORMERS Collector Club. "For members of the collector club, the annual convention allows fans to gather together to talk about their hobby and trade, as well as sell or buy rare figures to enhance their collection."

As a special treat this year, attendees will be able to enter the BotCon TRANSFORMERS sweepstakes at the HASBRO booth for a chance to win a TRANSFORMERS action figure designed in their likeness! Visit www.Botcon.com to view the complete rules.

"Every year, we look forward to gathering with fellow TRANSFORMERS fans at BotCon who share our excitement of the TRANSFORMERS brand," said Greg Lombardo, TRANSFORMERS brand director. "This year, we're celebrating our history - with the 10th anniversary of the Beast Wars saga - while anticipating the future with the release of the live action feature film next summer."

BotCon, which will be held at the Lexington Convention Center: Bluegrass Ballroom (430 W. Vine St.) is open to the public on Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Admission will provide access to all activities for a single day: Adults, $9; Children, $5; Children under 4, free.

For more information about the convention, including schedule and directions, visit www.Botcon.com.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NYSE: HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high-tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER ELECTRONICS, and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world. ©2006 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.