If you haven't I'd take a peek at LASORs.Section H 1.13 (I only say this as your post implies to me that you believe you have to automatically attend a seminar and undergo a re test)
For first renewal you'll need to do a retest
But if you've completed the flight instruction hours required then you wont need to attend a seminar as well
Two out of the three requirements will suffice
As for FI(E)'s Rod Wood, Stuart Hughes, Mike Green, Leon Smith