Choosing the right seating solution for your venue can have a significant impact on functionality, audience experience, and long-term flexibility. Whether you're designing a dedicated auditorium, a multi-purpose hall, or a venue that hosts a variety of events, selecting the right seating system is essential.
The good news is that there isn't always a one-size-fits-all answer. Many venues benefit from combining different seating solutions to maximise both capacity and versatility.
A great example of this is Scandic Falkoner, where multiple seating systems were integrated to meet diverse requirements. The venue features fixed seating in the balconies, a large retractable seating unit on the main floor, and additional portable Logix seating that can be deployed for larger events. This combination provides the flexibility to accommodate different event formats while maximising audience capacity.
Of course, every venue is unique. Some spaces are dedicated to lectures, conferences, or performances and benefit from permanent fixed seating. Others need to adapt regularly for sports, community events, exhibitions, or hospitality functions, making retractable or portable seating the more practical option.
The table below highlights the key differences between portable, retractable, and fixed seating solutions to help determine the best fit for your venue.
Best for
Setup tmie
Storage footprint
Capacity
Floor space when not in use
Installation required
Portable
Events, hospitality, multi-use halls needing rapid setup and breakdown
Minutes – chairs roll or stack into position
Compact – chairs nest on trolleys or stack
Flexible – add or remove chairs as required
Full floor available once chairs stored
No – chairs arrive ready to use
Retractable
Schools, theatres, sports halls needing flexible capacity
Seconds to minutes – opens and closes at the touch of a button
Retracts into a minimal footprint, allowing the same space to be used for sports, exhibitions, or community events.
Fixed maximum determined by system size
Full or partial floor available when retracted
Yes – engineered and installed by Hussey Seatway
Fixed
Dedicated auditoriums and performance venues with permanent seating requirements
Permanent – no setup required
No storage requirement – always in place
Fixed – determined at installation
Floor is occupied by seating at all times
Yes – engineered and installed by Hussey Seatway
What Should You Consider When Choosing Seating?
Before selecting a seating solution, ask yourself the following questions:
How often will the room layout change?
Daily or weekly changes may favour retractable or portable seating.
Dedicated performance spaces often benefit from fixed seating.
What types of events will the venue host?
Conferences, lectures, performances, sports, banqueting, and community events all have different seating requirements.
How much storage space is available?
Portable seating requires storage space when not in use.
Retractable seating stores within the venue footprint.
Still Unsure Which Option Is Right for You?
The best seating solution depends on how your venue is used today and how you plan to use it in the future. Factors such as event types, audience capacity, storage space, and operational flexibility should all be considered when making your decision.
Every venue presents unique challenges. Our seating specialists can assess your space and recommend the best combination of fixed, retractable, or portable seating to maximise capacity and flexibility. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.