I went down to Memphis In May in 2005. I was just getting into BBQ back then. Still hadn't competed yet, that would come later that year. I'd invested a lot of money in books in the few DVD's that were out there.
One of the DVD's I purchased, I found particulary helpful, BBQ SECRETS: The Master Guide to Extraordinary Barbecue Cookin' by Potter Productions
http://www.potter-productions.com/VS-Details.php?item_unique_id=DVD102482
I found that the segment by Terry Black of Super Smokers BBQ out of St. Louis very helpful with my ribs.
Anyway I didn't know any of the competitiors there but we showed up on Saturday when they were turning things in. I walked over to the Super Smokers area and waited until after the Judges had stopped by and Terry made his pitch to the judges serving them succulent pulled pork on fine china, with a sorbet to in the words of Terry Black "Cleanse your palet of the BBQ you just ate". After the on site judging I just called over to Terry and introduced myself, was honest with Terry, told him I didn't know that much about BBQ but told Terry that I had purchased the DVD and that his rib technique had helped my rib product considerably and that I would be compeating in my first contest that summer. Well, I was very surprised when Terry invited my wife and myself inside their area, gave me a tour of the pit and allowed us to even sample the pork that he had just served to the judges. I thanked him very much, tried not to wear out my welcome and was surprised at the end of the day when I had camped out for a front row spot at the stage at the awards ceremony when Terry even spotted me in the crowd and gave me a wave from the stage. Its little things like that, that you never forget and just keeps me thinking about how special BBQ people are and to try and pay the favor forward any chance we can get.
Sorry for the long winded response but I'd say just go up to some of your favorite teams, pick a good time when you're not interfering with their turns ins or presentations and you might be surprised at what happens.
I've also heard that they also have some sort of a people choice day and the teams are more accessible on that day, unfortunately we missed it. And I've also heard that if you contact the people at the festival, tell them you're from out of town and your home state, that they try to hook you up with a team from your state. Now that was all before MIM reorganized so I don't know if these rules or favors still apply.
Good luck, its a special event, and have a great time!