And up front with them. Be forthcoming with whatever verification info they may require with in reason. I think if you have an actual conversation with the provider that will go a long way in making them more comfortable.  

At least that worked for me when I first started.

consider joining one or more of the verification sites.  They will usually work with you to verify you.  Date-Check has a very reasonable lifetime membership fee, which would be good for you since you only hobby about once a year.  Preferred411 is good at working with you to verify you and allows the providers on there to indicate if they are newbie friendly.

Swim

Contacting a provider and speaking to her over the phone may get you to the gate, perhaps even through it. Some additional screening may be needed, such as providing a state-issued ID, but not always. I contacted a newbie-friendly provider visiting from Vegas and gave her my reference, but she said not to worry about it (however, DO be cautious about your own safety--don't let your other brain do the thinking .

As swimtrekr said, P411 provides a number of options for verification and you can find providers that advertise themselves as newbie friendly. Also, check out the ad boards on TER if you haven't already. That's where I found a provider with only one reference to my name. Some will do their best to accommodate you.  

Good luck!

See a newbie friendly lady, I see guys with no references all time.

Because strangers have the best candy.