I'm shell shocked that the judges picked that over yours. Not that the winner's isn't nice or anything, as it has balance and is one big, interesting colorfest, but damn. Yours is...well it's amazing! The amount of detail, the perspective, the depth and sheer skill in this one is something that, I feel, should've won. It just screams 'plaster-me-on-a-poster-cuz-I'm-just-that-awesome'. Seriously though, this is something I would EXPECT on a poster. Like the banners hanging over the entry ways. Oh well, it's still an incredibly amazing picture.
God, I would've loved to have this plastered over the convention building. I got kinda sad when I saw the other piece honestly but hey, that's what happens. Definitely trying again this year though. And many thanks for your kind words of encouragement. 
Welcome, best of luck to you for next year! Just keep doing what you do and I'm positive you'll get first place. You're a fantastic and incredibly skilled artist, after all.
Thanks a lot and yeah, that's definitely the plan.