Orlando, Fla. — The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators will start a national conversation on student access and success, the group’s president announced today at its annual conference here.

The president, Philip R. Day Jr., described the conversation as a “major new initiative” for the group, known as Nasfaa. The group’s lobbying influence has waned over the years, but Mr. Day has indicated that he plans to make the organization a major player again in student-aid advocacy.

“I do not want Nasfaa to be left at the station while someone else takes control,” he told conference attendees.

The new project will consist of town-hall meetings and “listening sessions.” Participants will include government officials, businesses, colleges and universities, and, most important, students and their parents, Mr. Day said.

His goal is to have the discussions culminate in a White House conference. And, he said, the beginning of a new presidential administration is just the right time. —Beckie Supiano