I never went to mine. The last night of my judicial meeting hearing, I sat alone in the main hall while they made their decision and took a deep breath and made the decision to never come back again.

From where I grew up, it was never exactly said, but it was always implied that if the one being disfellowshipped came to hear the announcement is showed some form of repentance. I'm not sure why. I think it's so they can make you feel like dirt. And hopefully the others can see how horribly sad and overcome with grief you are. It's a display for the rest of the congregation. "Look at that sad, pitiful person. You would never want to make the same mistake!"