Some people are acting real nasty here. Yes- there are rules and the OP possibly failed to abide by them, but I'm sure they didn't post here to just have a bunch of people repeating the same thing. OP is obviously bummed at missing an opportunity that he wanted to take advantage and he's looking for any tips.
OP- I would write a letter to the executive office with exact details and documentation. If you were really as close as you said you were, I think chase will let it slide.