Just research and make sure you go with someone with a lot of reviews.  I would also make sure the reviews are current.  I'm new as well and have only seen one provider.  I took this same advice from others and it worked out fine.

Post on the appropriate local board that you are a newbie looking for a newbie-friendly provider. Be prepared to give some personal info like where you work and a phone number.

Some suggest the verification sites like date check or P411, but usually you can find a well-reviewed provider who will screen you. Just gave an extra day or two for the process.

-tessen

Which is linked at the top of this page.

It has nearly everything you need to know about hobbying.

As for references, joining a screening service like RS2000 or Datecheck is the way to go.

I too am relatively new, having seen just two ladies.

The first had asked for an industry reference, which of course I couldn't provide......

So, once I was comfortable with her via email, we chatted once on the phone and I gave her the pertinent information she needed to be comfortable in seeing me.

Remember, in all of this you ALSO need to protect yourself......

I did considerable research before I selected my first lady, she was well reviewed on another board, and I also got a good comfort level when corresponding with her, before giving her all my personal information.....

Be diligent and do your homework, make sure you are comfortable as well.....

Good luck !

So , i'm a newbie, and have yet to see a provider. How do i go about getting started. How do i get a reference without having any experience? I'm going to be in Minneapolis next week and would love to make an appointment with a provider, but i'm just not sure how to get started. THanks a bunch  

and gotten good answers. Scroll back many pages on this board. Your questions about getting started,  gets asked every few days. Scrolling back on this board for days will give you many answers to all of your questions. You can also do a search of topics, by using the search feature at the top of the page. Just follow the instructions.