I came across an online ad for a live seminar and on the ad it says, "Select Seating Only." Can you help me figure out what it means?

It means there is a catch. Any offer always has a catch. The offer only applies to certain seats

Your flyer is basically telling you that you have to pay a fee (i.e., you choosing a seat) in order to attend the seminar. But the speaker will cut you a break (not really) and maybe let you sit in the front row (the "upgrade") if you agree to buy merchandise in addition to paying for the privilege of sitting down and listening to him speak.

Can't knock his hustle.

Look carefully. There's an asterisk in front of "Select seating only". The asterisk relates to "Get 30% off + Free seating upgrade*"

Mamie is right. The asterisk is on the 30% off phrase. It means that if you pay for the most expensive seats, you'll get 30% off and a seating "upgrade". In other words, they've reserved the best seats to use as an incentive to get you to pay more.

that guy is a charlatan !! you might want to do some research to save you the time and $$