Mr Dixon described her as a "media guru" who had done brilliant work with organisations such as Riding for the Disabled and KidsCan, and had won many awards.
Ms Cunningham also named the Cemetery Circuit as an event Wanganui could be proud of and added Q-West in Castlecliff had a reputation as a first-rate boatbuilder and there was potential for more water and air events.
"Air events are quite prevalent around New Zealand, but if you work around the calendar of other events, it's another possibility," she said.
"You have good participation from people who live here, but it's about attracting people from other places."
Wanganui photographer Gail Imhoff said she was disappointed Ms Cunningham had not mentioned Vintage Weekend and the Artists' Open Studios as significant Wanganui events.
Having visited Wanganui for the first time in January, Ms Cunningham said she had no idea what a "wonderful place" it was. "I wondered why it had taken me so long to get here, and I guess I just didn't know what it had to offer."
Ms Cunningham moved to New Zealand from New York 24 years ago with a decade of experience in public relations.
"I thought everyone would want me but, without local knowledge or reputation, I wasn't able to find work so I founded my own company."
While preparing for the forum, Ms Cunningham said she consulted several people about Wanganui, including journalist Duncan Garner, who had upset a people with negative comments about the city's empty shops.
However, she said he was complimentary about Wanganui education and said it was a place with "world class schools".
Whanganui Hospital also rated a mention for its research on elder care and Ms Cunningham said if leading edge care was available, Wanganui could become an attractive retirement place.
Ms Cunningham hopes to open an ongoing discussion and debate and welcomes emails to kathy@empirepr.co.nz