you know, IMO, it was a bad communication point from the office to the competitors (only thing I saw was on the forums).
My advice, if there is ever a question with something of this nature, pick up the phone and call...ask for Mike Darville or Ralph Randall. I'm not attacking you...I mean this totally respectfully and understanding. I would go out on a limb and say that one of those two guys would have had you an invite.