Yes you are right - They usually include passengers on the inbound inaugural flights on these events, especially VIPS will have a more formal celebration tonight in a hotel. As you saw from my reply, Virgin America has clarified that I was supposed to be welcomed in the party, but unfortunately, there was no VX staffs welcoming arriving passengers. They relied on the Airport staff, who obviously did not have the right information. The gate area was spacious, but very crowded. Things were even more difficult, as the gate podium was roped off, and the agents were not present at the podium. They were learning about the planes and procedures. The same girl guarded the party entrance so I did not want to confront her again.

I am going to write to Virgin America, regarding this epic fail. I paid a pretty big price for this inaugural flight.