We are going to a conference in Switzerland and will need bedding -sleeping bag and pad- for that week BUT we are also traveling around for a week BEFORE the conference starts and staying in places that we won't need bedding. Pads and bags take up so much room and weight! or Are there lightweight and "instant" pads and bags out there? Thanks for any help/ideas.
If you visit an outfitter like REI or Gander Mountain, they can show you lots of options for lightweight pads and bags.
Ochsner Sport is one of several Swiss sports store chains with locations in many places throughout the country. Would it work to check their website and maybe pop into one of their stores just before your conference and get a bag and pad there? I like their socks - different to a bag but just to say I do go in there.
Take a backbacking pad and sleeping bag. If you don't backpack, you may want to try and borrow this gear rather than buy it since you
may not use it enough to justify the expense.
I would double check with the place that hosts your conference to see if it's possible to rent bedding. Lots of hostels and similar places advertise that bedding needs to be brought along by the guest but do offer rental of said bedding if you ask them. It's an additional fee but worth it in a situation like yours.
If you're not able to rent a bag and pad, perhaps you could buy them when you're there and then donate them to charity when you're done. That way, you would not have to carry them before or after the conference. It's not the least expensive way to go, but it's probably the most convenient option.