Booth babes! </joking>
*PSSST!* Hacking competition, maybe? As to the argument of not enough skilled hackers, my counter: No winner, no payout, and IPVM keeps the loot (whatever it may be).
I like the pwn2own model. For example, maybe make the new 8K Ultra Starlight Box camera that you guys get to test as one of the hacking victims... *drool* might not be secure if you can hack it and win it, but could be a very nice toy to play with.
I'd eliminate the physical access portion of the competition and maybe have a laptop set up with a few tools to let the contestants take a crack at it, just to keep it inclusive.
Of course, allow the heavy hitters to hook up their own thing rigs and see where they can go.
Newest firmwares only would be the fair way to go about it.
I know I'm pushing this idea hard, but it would totally be something fun for the show. It would also be a great way to dome something about your equipment stockpile?
Edit: Also, Bashis is only allowed to play on the last day if no one else wins it :P