With Twitter preparing to launch its own virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) division, the social media giant is sending a team to the annual Siggraph technology showcase to seek out elite programmers, designers and visionaries in the field.

Led by ex-Apple designer, Alessandro Sabatelli, Twitter revealed its AR and VR ambitions with the acquisition of Magic Pony Technologies – a machine learning company which uses algorithms with potential applications for VR and AR – in June.

The company has been quiet on what it actually plans to do in regards to virtual realities, but more could be forthcoming after the invitation-only mixer at the event in Anaheim, California hosts 200 VR and AR innovators as Twitter aims to expand its social offering.

With its alternate reality plans, the social media network joins the likes of Disney, Sony, Facebook, Microsoft, Google and YouTube, all of which have launched their own dedicated virtual reality divisions.

Deloitte predicted in March that 2016 would be the year of virtual reality with its first billion-dollar year, providing new opportunities to businesses that want to create more immersive experiences for consumers, according to a new study. The success of Pokémon Go recently has shifted that idea, with AR thought to become the dominant force in the alternate reality market sooner rather than later.