Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will again take his place at the head of the line to open the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show.

Gates, whose keynote presentation has been a major attraction at the show for years, indicated at this year's show that 2008 would probably be his final time in the spotlight at the giant technology confab. He plans to leave behind his daily work at Microsoft next summer and move to working full-time at his philanthropy.

This morning, the Consumer Electronics Association, which puts on the show, announced that Gates' will have his customary pre-show keynote at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 6 at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas (no, it's not too early to start lining up, based on last year's crowds.)

Other big names due to speak at the show are Intel CEO Paul Otellini and Toshihiro Sakamoto, president of Panasonic AVC Networks Company.

Gates has traditionally used his keynote presentation to unveil new Microsoft products or features. At his presentation this year, it was the expanded abilities of Microsoft's Xbox 360 video game console. Gates shared the stage with Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division President Robbie Bach.