The fourth annual Green California Summit and Exposition is coming to the Sacramento Convention Center next week.

The expo is one of the biggest green forums with a public-sector focus in the nation. It's also where government and businesses interested in green technology can get educated, according to Racquel Palmese, managing editor of Green Magazine. The expo's theme is "Committed to Sustainability."

"In this time of economic hardship, it's important for everyone to keep their eye on the ball, as well as be good for the environment," she said.

In addition to an exhibit hall that will feature new developments in green technology, there will be four keynote speakers: 15-year-old Alec Loorz, founder of Kids vs. Global Warming; Noel Perry, Next 10 founder; David Roland-Holst, director of the University of California at Berkeley's Center for Energy, Resources and Economic Sustainability; and Fran Pavley, state senator who authored Assembly Bill 32, the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

"AB 32 is being challenged now," Palmese said. "This summit will be a good reality check on what AB 32 is and the importance of keeping it moving forward."

The summit also will offer classes and seminars on various topics such as water management, green building codes, and legislative mandates. Palmese said that the first-time class on building codes reflects the fact that California is the first state to have green building codes.

More than 300 companies will be represented in the three-day event.

"This is unlike any other green summit," said Palmese.

The Green California Summit and Exposition will be at the Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J St., March 16-17. Monday will haveall-day workshops, but no exhibit events. Registration is available online and is free only for exhibits and to hear keynote speakers.