Most of all have fun. If you head into it with the mindset of winning or at the very least placing, it could be a let down. If you have family and friends around you and a good plan, you will enjoy the day. Some of the best people you'll meet are at cook offs, friendly and willing to give you advice. Is the comp KCBS or a local organization? Only other word of advice is to make a few practice runs at your house, or at the very least know within 15 minutes, how long each meat will take to cook. Briskets and butts can be held in coolers for quite a long time, so plan on them being done early so you can concentrate on getting the chicken and ribs right. As far as the practice run, get everything you plan on using outside, see if you can make the whole cook without going inside for something. If not, make a note and put that on your checklist. Oh yeah, make a checklist, vital, very vital. Mine is front and back of 8 x 11 paper, I probably bring too much stuff, but I'd rather have it and need it, than not have it and need it. Good luck and enjoy.