If you can get them interested in it, you have a chance with a reporter. Special exhibits can attract television coverage if they are interactive, show a new technology, or feature a twist on an old idea. For example, one Engineers Week committee sponsored a fashion show at the local mall. A survey of local business leaders on the health of engineering businesses in the area would be of interest to business editors. Awards may be covered by smaller newspapers but unless a very prominent individual or celebrity is involved it is unlikely they will receive broadcast coverage or coverage by larger papers.
Banquets are also unlikely to generate much interest unless they have a celebrity speaker.
Be aware of media deadlines when scheduling events. Holding a competition in the morning will allow television and radio reporters to run stories that day, and newspaper reporters to meet the afternoon deadline for the next morning's edition. Send a well-written and timely release about 10 days in advance of the event. A week before the event call reporters to determine if they received the release. Ask if they have questions or would like to schedule an interview.