Are there parties or gatherings where you can meet providers beforehand?

Look to the left and click on "Meet & Greet." You can also check your local board for the next one in that city. You can chat with other hobbyists and get even more info. I've never been to one, but from what I can gather, they're by invitation only.  Good luck.

Thanks

I've only been to one, and had a great time. To get an invitation, most organizers require that you have a couple of references from known providers. You do have to pass some screening to get invited. One way to get started is to get active on your local board. If you have some kind of board presence, it may become easier to get those all important first references.