Showing Birmans is definitely taking it to the next level.
Showing can be really fun - I guess that´s why some people keep doing it for years.
But if you want to start showing, you should also be aware that you will also run into disappointments along the way. You will get to know a lot of people when showing. Some will turn into great, new friends - and some won´t...
The best way to get started? Find a mentor! Starting out with a show neuter is an enjoyable way to learn the tricks of the trade.
You want to find a Birman that corresponds nicely with the standard. That has nice markings and a decent head type. You may not find a suitable show Birman that easily - the markings are an important part of a show Birman.
Learn to show groom! All cats can learn to have a bath, and most of them can learn to be blow dried - but make sure you start out when the cat is still just a kitten. If you wait until the cat is an adult, it may get quite scared - and you may get quite hurt while trying to get kitty wet all over ;-) Is bathing the cat really necessesary? Well, it IS a competition, and you probably want to give kitty the very best chances. Can you imagine Miss World contestants who did not wash their hair? Nah, didn´t think so ;)

At many FIFe shows the owner is allowed to present the cat to the judge. Here is a young seal point male, enjoying the comfort of "mothers" arms while the judge is busy writing the judge´s report.

Find out in where you want to try showing for the first time. Make sure you enter before deadline. Often a lot of the work put into making a cat show in done by volunteers in their spare time - remember to show consideration by entering early and filling out entry form correctly the first time.
Be there at the show in time. Some federations (for instance FIFe) have a mandatory vet check of all cats before they can enter the show hall. Make sure you have all necessesary papers ready. DO only bring a cat in good condition. DON´T bring a cat with fleas, a runny eye, or which is showing any other symptoms of disease - be it contageous or not. It ought not be necessesary to say so - but of course you NEVER, ever show a pregnant queen! The moment she has been bred, she is out of the show circuit until the kittens have left home several months later. Why is this so important? First of all it is against the rules in most federations. Secondly it is a question of common sense. A pregnant queen should be shown the outmost consideration. You should be aware that despite even the best vet check, there will still be numerous vira going around. How is this possible? Well, compare to your own job situation. I am sure you have tried having a colleague go down with the flu one day. A few days after you found out that you caught it, too - before it was obvious that your colleague had the flu. This principle of course also goes for cat shows! Despite all precautions, anything can happen - *which is why you want to keep your cat´s vaccinations up to date at all times*! In general it is perfectly safe to bring your cat out to a show - but make sure kitty is fit and healthy and properly vaccinated before you go.

When you go....: Bring anything you are going to need. Show curtains, litter boxes, food bowls. Food and water. At many shows there will be vendors selling all sort of cat related items - but try to be well prepared, you may not be able to buy what you need at the show.
If you are going to a show far from home, you might want to arrive the evening before the show. Most Birmans travel without problems, and many hotels will allow pets. Make sure you leave the room neat, so that next time someone else will also be able to book a room there.
Try to get the general idea of the show rules. At first it will be somewhat confusing, but ASK! Ask your mentor, your neighbour or the secretariat. Try to keep track of when it is your turn to have your cat judged. Some judges do a great job of explaining what they see, others tend to keep quiet - enjoy it when there is one willing to teach the spectators a bit about the breed. Even judges are only human. You may not agree with his or her decision, but normally their decision is final. If you think an error has been made, contact the secretarit immediately. If it truly is an error, it will of course be corrected.
And always remember: When you get there in the morning, you are accompanied by the best cat in the whole World! And lucky you, because when you go home in the evening, you are still accompanied by the best cat in the whole World - no matter what the judges may think!
Most Birmans are well behaved and don´t mind being showed, but if you sense he/she does not like it, remember the shows are put on for your sake - not the cat. Respect if the cats decides not to like it. You should both be able to enjoy it.

And a final warning..... A terrible disease related to cat shows. I dare you to read it :-) Enjoy the show!